Demetrius
Johnson, Jr.

Demetrius Johnson, Jr., is the inaugural President and CEO, as well as the founder of the HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF). He conceived the idea for the HBCU Campaign in 2012 and became President and CEO of the HBCU Campaign Fund in 2015. Since then, the organization has grown into one of the nation’s minority educational nonprofit organizations. HCF champions the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) by raising funds to support student scholarships, programs, and both private and public educational institutions.

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Known as a visionary and passionate leader, Demetrius is a dedicated advocate for higher education, HBCUs, and MSIs. His strategic vision for HCF focuses on guiding the organization’s continued growth while ensuring it delivers the critical resources needed to support students and higher education. At the heart of his mission is sustaining the relevance of HBCUs as institutions founded to serve and uplift their communities.

As a young leader and CEO, Demetrius demonstrates confidence and unwavering dedication to both his work and the well-being of others. His passion for HBCUs and their rich history is truly remarkable. Committed to continuous learning and growth, he actively collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including institutional partners, students, alumni, supporters, corporations, foundations, and other allied organizations. His ultimate goal is to strengthen HBCUs and MSIs while fostering excellence among students and within Black communities.

Demetrius has held positions at Lincoln University of Missouri, Mississippi Valley State University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Since his presidency at HCF, he has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named HBCU Top 30, Under 30 by the HBCU Buzz. Additionally, he served as a member of the Interim Coordinating Committee (ILCC) of CPG, Inc., which was formed at Olive-Harvey College in Chicago, Illinois.

Demetrius, a native of Chicago, Illinois, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2016. Before graduation, he was fortunate to be selected for a four-week student aboard program at the University of Toulouse-Jean Jaures in Toulouse, France.