Michael Johnson Jr., PhD, is a Diversity Resident Librarian at the Drexel University Libraries. His professional responsibilities span the traditional areas of acquisitions, collection development, reference services, and archival project management. In 2025 Dr. Johnson earned his Certification with the Academy of Certified Archivists and is recognized as a journeyman-level credential by the Society of American Archivists.

Prior to coming to Drexel, Dr. Johnson gained a decade of experience as a faculty member—most recently holding a tenure track Assistant Professor appointment at California State University, Northridge, in addition to many years with the University of Wisconsin and Washington State University.

Dr. Johnson is the author of nearly 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, which can be found in publications like The Journal of Men’s Studies; Studies in Contemporary Culture; The Journal of Prisoners on Prisons; The Journal of New Media & Culture; Studies in Humanities, Humanities and Social Sciences Communication. He has presented his research at regional, national and international conferences, including the Association of College and Research Libraries Annual Conference, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference, and the Popular Culture Association Annual Conference.

Dr. Johnson is an award-winning academic recognized for his commitment to intellectual excellence and his dedication to working with historically marginalized communities. In 2019 he received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service for his work as the Vice President for Diversity, Outreach, and Inclusion with the Popular Culture Association. In 2021, he received the Exceptional Service to Students Award from California State University for his service to Latino/a students in the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication. And in 2024 he received the Racial Justice Honoraria Award from the New England Archivists.

Dr. Johnson holds a PhD in American Studies from Washington State University, a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in Social and Political Thought from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University.