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A Heart to Help Others Overcome
First-gen grad garners first Gates Cambridge award
Honors alumna Brittney Johnson, MTSU’s first recipient of the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship, triumphed over challenges as a first-generation, low-income college student. Now she wants to use her current postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge in England to help others overcome inequities and their less-fortunate circumstances.
Johnson, a native of Martin, secured the extremely competitive international scholarship earlier this year—it is typically awarded to only 1.3% of applicants.
At MTSU, where she graduated with dual degrees in Spanish and in Global Studies and Human Geography and a minor in Economics in 2020, Johnson was a member of the University’s chapter of UNICEF. The organization works to assist disadvantaged children and adolescents in 190 nations around the world.
“This early exposure to the far-reaching consequences of educational inequities left an indelible mark on my worldview and instilled a deep sense of purpose in me,” Johnson said. “Throughout my childhood, I developed a growing interest in the world beyond my tight-knit community.
“I tailored my undergraduate studies to create an interdisciplinary education that explored subjects in international politics, language-learning, economics, world history, and human rights. At Cambridge, I plan to explore innovative approaches that can effectively remove obstacles to learning and ensure the inclusion of all children and young people, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities.”
At Cambridge, Johnson is interested in researching development and implementation of anti-racist and inclusive curricula, particularly in diverse educational settings, while earning her Master of Philosophy.
A World Of Experience
Originally planning to attend law school and work in immigration law, Johnson altered her plans during her first year of teaching abroad following her first Fulbright grant.
As an MTSU student, Johnson was awarded two Fulbright grants as an English teaching assistant in Spain and a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.
“I studied abroad in South America as a Gilman Scholar and taught English language classes to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers at a local literacy nonprofit,” she said. “Through these experiences, I noticed an increasing overlap between what I was learning regarding economic and political theories and their reciprocal impact on education.
“The lack of educational access and resources perpetuated cycles of marginalization and exclusion, creating barriers that hindered the integration and empowerment of vulnerable communities. I look forward to the perspectives and guidance” of Cambridge’s Faculty of Education.
As a Gates Cambridge Scholar, Johnson also will become part of a global network of scholars and alumni who use their education and leadership qualities to improve the lives of others.
“I can confidently say that Brittney is one of the most well-rounded and ambitious students I’ve ever taught. She is a truly compassionate person who demonstrates a sincere appreciation for other cultures and people,” said James Chaney, associate professor in MTSU’s Global Studies and Human Geography program. “Brittney exemplifies the kind of student MTSU strives to produce, and I am excited to see what the future holds for her as she embarks on the next chapter of her life at the University of Cambridge.”
Connecting And Encouraging
A Presidential Scholar and Phi Kappa Phi member at MTSU, Johnson also volunteered as an Exchange Buddy to new international students, “aiding them in their transition to a new culture,” said Laura Clippard, MTSU undergraduate fellowships specialist. In summer 2023, Johnson worked as a staff member with low-income and first-generation high school students in the Upward Bound residential program, “encouraging them to seek out college opportunities,” Clippard added.
Johnson and Clippard also co-wrote an article for the Gilman Scholarship program, “Great Partnerships: The Gilman to Fulbright Pipeline,’” aimed at introducing low-income students to Fulbright opportunities. And Johnson has volunteered in other ways, such as assisting another MTSU student with her Fulbright application as part of an interview committee.
“As a cultural ambassador for both the Fulbright and Gilman scholarships, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds,” Clippard said.
Throughout my childhood, I developed a growing interest in the world beyond my tightknit community.
Leah Lyons, dean of the MTSU College of Liberal Arts, said Johnson’s majors “allowed her to leverage her deep understanding of global politics, world history, language learning, and intercultural competency to qualify for this distinct honor. Her passion for human rights and her incredible work ethic are greatly to her credit, and they are also representative of what MTSU students can accomplish.”
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship will cover full cost of attendance, including a $25,000-plus allowance, roundtrip airfare, visa and immigration health surcharge costs, and discretionary funding such as fieldwork and dependents.
“I discovered my genuine passion for education and its ability to set students up for success,” Johnson said. “While I derive great satisfaction from working in the classroom, my overarching career objective is to effectuate broader change within education policy.”
