Maurice Johnson, Ph.D.

Educator/Thought Leader

United States

Dr. Maurice Johnson is an accomplished educator, researcher, and scholar specializing in media, communications, and Hip Hop culture.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Magazine Production from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Florida State University’s College of Communication and Information, where he also completed graduate certificates in digital video production and project management.

Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida A&M University’s College of Education. His research examines the intersection of Hip Hop culture, urban schools, and culturally responsive teaching and leadership.

An experienced journalism educator, Dr. Johnson was selected through a nationwide search to join the prestigious 2022 Solutions Journalism Educators Academy. He has served as faculty advisor to The Famuan, FAMU’s award-winning student newspaper, and as mentor to the FAMU student chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).

His scholarship has been featured at national and international conferences, including the East Carolina University Emerging Scholars Symposium, the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, and the American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting.

He has also been a featured speaker at the Leon County Library Lecture Series and a panelist for the 10th Annual Created Equal: The Rhythm and Resilience of Black Music Conference.

As an Inaugural Propel Center HBCU Faculty Fellow, Dr. Johnson advances tech-enhanced teaching strategies and explores new ways to integrate innovation and community engagement within educational environments.

Portfolio
FAMU News
08/18/2025
Maurice Johnson: Using Hip Hop, Heart and Higher Learning to Shape the Next Generation

TALLAHASSEE, Fl.  - When Maurice Johnson walked across the stage this summer to receive his doctorate in educational leadership, the moment carried more weight than a personal achievement. It was a testament to a journey fueled by culture, community and the belief that education should connect-not separate-students from their lived experiences.

04/09/2025
Created Equal: The Rhythm and Resistance of Black Music

From the spirituals sung during slavery to today’s hip-hop anthems, Black music has evolved alongside the Black experience, providing a voice for change and a foundation for cultural expression. Leon County Government and The 10th Annual Created Equal event explored the rich history of Black music, showing how it serves as a living chronicle of the Black experience. Panelists were Dr. Mark Butler, Dr. Lisa Munson, and Dr. Maurice Johnson.

Hip Hop Culture, Music and Education | Professor Maurice Johnson | #FAMU Shorts Interview Series

Happy Juneteenth Weekend Rattlers! We were able to delve into 2007 School of Journalism and Graphic Communication alumnus and professor, Maurice Johnson's expertise in the subject matter of Hip Hop. In this edition of #FAMUShorts Johnson provides valuable insights into the intersection of Hip Hop culture, music, and education. Johnson focuses on the origins of Hip Hop culture and its educational aspects. He also discussed as an educator, how you incorporate Hip Hop into your teaching methods...