Kirk Johnson T’12, G’16 found his vocation pathway at both graduate schools
January 2024 – As an alum of both Drew Theological School and Drew’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Kirk Johnson T’12, G’16 took advantage of the full graduate education experience offered at Drew University.
Starting his journey at Drew Theological School, Johnson earned a Master of Divinity (MDiv). “I wanted to go to seminary to receive adequate training for ministry,” he said. “After visiting a few places, Drew Theological School became my first choice. I was elated when I was accepted into the MDiv program.”
As an MDiv student, Johnson took Health & Medical Ethics as an elective course, which sparked a deep interest in medical ethics and medical humanities. Soon after he earned his MDiv, he enrolled in Caspersen to pursue his Doctorate in Medical & Health Humanities (DMH).
“Health equity is a crucial part of my calling,” said Johnson, who is an Assistant Professor of Justice Studies and Medical Humanities at Montclair State University and Senior Pastor of Christ Congregation in Princeton, New Jersey. He is also the Founder and CEO of Peculiar Capital.
“The training I received in the Medical & Health Humanities program gave me the tools to challenge our healthcare system to be more humanistic and equitable,” he said. “Both degrees deal with two important factors of the human condition, health and spirituality. These factors complement each other and influence my work, which is for everyone I encounter to become holistic in every stage and facet of their life.”
Johnson is a regular health equity expert guest speaker at events hosted by the Theological School and the Medical & Health Humanities program. “I am grateful for my Drew education,” he said.