The School of Education is proud to announce that Asya Johnson, EdD ‘20, will address the class of 2026 at this year’s commencement ceremony.
Johnson, a 2020 graduate of the EdD in Educational Leadership and Management program, is the creator and founding principal of HBCU Early College Prep High School in New York. The groundbreaking school is the first early college high school model centered on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in a major city. Through a partnership with Delaware State University, students can earn a tuition-free associate degree while completing high school, expanding postsecondary access for historically underserved communities.
Johnson began her career as an educator in North Philadelphia and later led Longwood Preparatory Academy in the South Bronx, where she implemented a successful school turnaround grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, resulting in New York State Good Standing status. Her research on culturally responsive teacher development continues to guide her leadership.
Her experience spans charter and district settings, including serving as a Harlem charter school principal and Director of Special Education Programs, where she designed educational programming for incarcerated youth on Rikers Island. She has also built strong community partnerships, including initiatives addressing food insecurity, student access to resources, and creative arts and wellness programming.
Johnson earned her EdD from Drexel, where she mentors doctoral students. She also serves as an adjunct professor at New York University and has contributed to educational policy through service on New York City’s Diversity Advisory Group and national equity initiatives. A recognized leader, she has received numerous awards and fellowships honoring her impact on educational innovation and equity.
The School of Education’s 2026 commencement ceremony will take place Wednesday, June 10, at 12:30 p.m. ET at the Academy of Music. For more information about commencement, including information about the university-wide ceremony on Thursday, June 11, please visit, https://drexel.edu/commencement.