As the inaugural director of UVA’s Public Service Pathways program, Dreama Montrief Johnson leads a University-wide initiative to inspire and equip students to engage in public service as a personal calling, a lifelong practice, and a professional pursuit. Her leadership focuses on helping students develop a public-service mindset by connecting them with the knowledge, experiences, and networks that make public service accessible and meaningful. 

Prior to her current role, Johnson worked at the UVA Career Center, advising students pursuing social-impact careers. She also has held positions in financial aid, student support, and AmeriCorps with Advise VA. A proud first-generation, limited-income graduate from Martinsville, Virginia, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and an M.Ed. in student affairs practice in higher education from the University of Virginia. She is currently pursuing a Ed.D. at the College of William and Mary, furthering her research and practice in public-service education.