Following a Family Tradition, Arielle Johnson Creates Her Own Legacy at Bowie State

Arielle Johnson ’28 grew up with Bowie State woven into her story long before she enrolled as an undergraduate.  

Her parents met at Bowie State as students more than two decades ago. Those family ties led her to spend her childhood and teenage years attending homecomings and connecting with the Bulldog community.  

When it came time to choose a college, Johnson knew she wanted the HBCU experience. 

“I’ve interacted with people from Bowie State for years, because my dad is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I graduated from a primarily white high school in Anne Arundel County, and I wanted a Historically Black College setting. What solidified Bowie for me was being awarded several Maryland General Assembly scholarships, which can only be used in state.” 

As a History & Government major with a minor in Pre-Law, Johnson says the university has exceeded her expectations, especially because the coursework aligns with her academic and career goals. 

“I’m learning things that are all related to my major. My classes are small, and it’s a good environment to have. My professors are very informed about the legal world.” 

Johnson has made the most of her time at Bowie State through leadership, service and advocacy. For the 2026-27 academic year, she serves as junior class chief of staff in the Student Government Association, a role where she helps shape events and initiatives that impact the student experience.  

Her involvement in Bowie State’s Pre-Law Society reflects her commitment to public service. 

Johnson joined the organization as a freshman after learning about it at a luncheon hosted by the Department of History & Government. That very first year, she stepped into a leadership role as events director. Today, she serves as the Pre-Law Society’s vice president. 

“Last year we held a joint debate with the Philosophy, Politics and Economics Club, and the topic was the merits of capitalism versus socialism. We also collaborate with Bowie State’s chapter of the NAACP on civic engagement programs.” 

During the 2026 legislative session, Johnson interned with Maryland state Sen. Joanne Benson. Over the summer, she worked at a law firm and gained firsthand experience with probate and estate law. 

“I’ve been set on the idea of being a civil rights lawyer, but I want to go into law school open-minded. My internship showed me issues that affect families every day. I learned what happens when there’s no estate plan. When the matriarch of a majority Black household dies, families can fall apart because they’re fighting over possessions. It made me think about how I can help people and make a bigger impact in my community.” 

Johnson’s achievements have earned statewide recognition. In May 2026, she received a University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Student Excellence Scholarship and USM honored her at a ceremony with Bowie State University President Aminta H. Breaux in attendance. 

“Professor Margo Buck-Hurley, my Freshman Seminar professor, encouraged me to apply. At that moment, I didn’t realize how prestigious it was to be a USM Scholar. She was also at the reception which brought that point home to me.” 

 Johnson credits Bowie State faculty and staff members for her success.  

“I've learned something from every professor I've had. I had to write a 25-page paper for a research methods class. Dr. Diarra Robertson was so hard on me, and we went back and forth. In the end, he helped me become a better writer. I see that growth in my work. And Dr. Weldon Jackson has opened my mind to thinking like a lawyer.” 

She believes her willingness to advocate for herself and others has created opportunities. During a student forum, Johnson voiced concerns about the communication challenges new Bulldogs deal with when navigating financial aid and other administrative processes. 

“I worked at Chick-fil-A and there’s a three-month customer service training. But when I got to Bowie, I didn’t see that kind of attention to customer service. Emails were being sent after deadlines had passed and the tone omitted basic niceties.”   

After she raised these issues, campus leaders improved several processes and offered her a part-time job in the Office of Student Engagement, where she helped identify and resolve ongoing concerns affecting students.  

"I’ve raised questions about experiences I've had with student services and other offices on campus. I know these are important conversations for other students as well.”

Johnson continues to advocate for students through campus forums and other opportunities for engagement.

“I’ve raised concerns with President Breaux about this year’s layoffs and the need for stronger communication with faculty and students.” 

Today, she works part-time in the Department of History & Government in an administrative role. Her practical experiences shape her advice to incoming Bulldogs. 

“Use your voice. If something is an issue, speak up. Our voices matter. The more involved you are, the more you can make a difference.” 

Whether serving in student government, preparing for law school or championing campus improvements, Johnson embraces every opportunity Bowie State offers. 

“I’ve been so successful here. I love my Bowie State.”