Get to Know Carolyn Johnson

Trevecca graduate Carolyn Johnson will conclude a three-year term this month as a worker for the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. During her time on the Hill, she played a pivotal role in expanding Trevecca’s community engagement efforts and fulfilling its mission of servant leadership. In this Q&A, she shares about her time as a student and the ways she’s given back to her alma mater.

How was your undergraduate experience at Trevecca?

I was a worship arts major and graduated in 2022. I realized a huge part of what I wanted to do during my time at Trevecca was grow in my faith. My education definitely helped me articulate and understand what I believe in a deeper way. I was also able to grow in confidence musically. I participated in student life and served in student government, tutoring, club leadership, the chapel team and as a resident assistant.

What drove you to get involved in leadership roles as a student?

I wanted to be a part of what was going on, get to know different people, have a sense of belonging and create that same experience for others. Being involved also helped with scholarships. People like my parents were believing in me and investing in me and I wanted to make the most of my experience.

You stayed at Trevecca post-graduation as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a member of a national service program focused on fighting poverty with sustainable solutions. What did this role include?

I worked specifically with the Center for Student Development to foster volunteer opportunities for students. This included starting a Community Engagement Committee and launching a volunteer engagement platform to centralize opportunities and track service hours. I also worked with Rebecca's House, a monthly food program where students can pick up free groceries to help with food insecurity. 

The student relationships I had already formed helped to build connections in my role. I could approach students and say, “I know you're passionate about this” or “Would you be interested in participating in this?” I was able to leverage relationships to connect students to their passions and do work that supports our neighbors.

What did you learn about the needs of students through your work with Rebecca’s House?

On many college campuses, as many as 30 to 40 percent of students report having some kind of food insecurity while they’re in school. At Trevecca, some students don’t have a car to get to the grocery store. There’s also the added layer of international students who don't go home for school breaks. And so, when the campus is closed, where are they eating? What are they eating? Those aren't questions I was asking myself until I was in my VISTA role.

How does the food program work?

When a student comes into Rebecca's House, they're greeted and invited to get a bag and take 10 to 15 grocery items. These food items provide snacks or even meals. Students are so grateful. They’ll say, “I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get groceries this week” or “I didn't make as much money as I thought I would this week.”

Rebecca’s House is about more than just saving someone a trip to the grocery store. It offers a consistent presence of someone knowing that the broader Trevecca community cares for them. Whether that's asking them how they’re doing when they come through the door or providing them a space to be present with other people, I think that's a big thing.

Earlier this year, you received the Stella Simpson Leadership Award, given in honor of a woman who dedicated her life to empowering others as a professor and civil rights pioneer. What was that experience like?

My family was at the award luncheon and the room was filled with people who had encouraged me and invited me to step outside my comfort zone throughout the years. It was uplifting to see the work I've done is more than just about me. It's having an impact on the Trevecca community, and that was one of my hopes when I became a VISTA. I wanted to pour back into this community because it’s invested so much into me.

What part of your Trevecca student experience do you still carry with you?

Ever since I attended Experience Trevecca Day in high school, the Trevecca motto “esse quam videre”—to be rather than to seem—has been important to me. It's become something of a personal mission statement. It means continuing to journey through every area of life with authenticity and humility. This University is built on the idea that leadership is service. It’s not about the title you hold; it’s about what you’re doing for others and how you're elevating the people around you.