Raenece Johnson

Coordinator of Practicum Education
[email protected]
510A Varner Hall
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-4845

Raenece (Rae) serves as the Coordinator of Practicum Education for the Social Work program, overseeing the practicum component. Rae earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Oakland University and completed her Master's in Social Work at Michigan State University, with a focus on community, organization, and leadership. Rae has professional experience in diverse settings, including residential facilities for individuals with persistent cognitive disorders, and educational environments ranging from Head Start programs to Higher Education. Her work has emphasized engagement strategies for students and families, as well as supporting students facing basic needs insecurities. In 2018, Rae partnered with the social work program and student affairs to establish Oakland University's campus pantry, The Golden Grizzlies Pantry. Rae earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Oakland University, where her research addressed the challenges faced by transfer students in higher education and highlighted the strengths of minoritized transfer students in persisting toward degree completion. Moreover, Rae is dedicated to serving the social work community both locally and nationally, acting as a state Delegate and Board President for the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Research interests
Higher education, Black student transfer, student basic needs, sense of belonging

Courses taught
SW 3102 Foundations of Multicultural Social Work 
SW 3302 Social Welfare Policies