Alvin “AJ” Johnson
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Alvin “AJ” Johnson
For Alvin “AJ” Johnson, helping students has always been about more than answering questions—it’s about making sure they have someone in their corner.
AJ joined the University of Florida in 2014, beginning his UF career in the Bursar’s Office. Over the years, he worked across several areas, including customer service, third-party billing, financial aid, and accounting. Although he gained valuable experience and a broad understanding of university operations, he eventually realized that he missed working directly with students. “I got away from the students,” AJ says. “And I really missed that aspect of it.”
That desire to reconnect with students eventually brought him to UFIC, where he now serves as an Immigration Specialist. In his role, AJ helps international students navigate the complexities of maintaining their immigration status, from understanding their course requirements and employment options to keeping their I-20s and other immigration documents up to date. “It’s always something new to learn every day,” he says. “It’s always a different, new situation every day.”
For AJ, that constant learning is part of what makes the work rewarding. He approaches each student interaction with the goal of making sure students understand their options and avoid decisions that could negatively affect their ability to remain in the United States. His advice to students is simple: communicate, “Let me know what you’re doing. Let me know what you’re planning on doing, so that way I’ll know how to help you.”
AJ’s commitment to helping others has deep roots. A first-generation college student himself, he remembers how important it was to have people who could help him navigate college. Today, he sees his work as a way of paying that support forward. “I just had people help me. So, it’s sort of like, okay, paying it forward a little bit.”
Long before becoming an immigration specialist, AJ was developing another lifelong passion: music. Raised in Williston, Florida, AJ attended Florida A&M University, where he earned his degree in music education and became a member of the legendary Marching 100. Music has been a constant throughout his life. His mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all played piano, and AJ began playing drums when he was just six years old. His musical journey eventually took him from trumpet to tuba, baritone, and, ultimately, saxophone. As part of his music education training, he learned to play virtually every instrument in the band.
Today, AJ describes himself as a “full-time musician outside of work.” He performs with his band, AJ and the Sound Factory, takes solo gigs, and plays with various groups around Gainesville. He is also a church musician and serves as music director at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, while also playing at the 10 a.m. service at Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
Whether he is performing at Celebration Pointe, downtown Gainesville, a nursing facility, a church, or a UF event, AJ says music gives him another way to connect with people. “Music and helping people” are the things he loves, he says. “So, it kind of gives me a good balance between the things that I love to do.”
AJ’s first career was in education. After graduating from FAMU, he taught music at Eastside High School, including at his alma mater. His former high school band director and mentor, John Henry, played an important role in that decision. A tuba player himself, Henry encouraged AJ to pursue music and eventually become an educator.
AJ taught for several years before transitioning to the University of Florida. His experience as an educator, combined with his customer service background, ultimately became a foundation for the work he does today. While working in the Bursar’s Office, AJ became known for helping students navigate university processes. He even played a role in piloting what would eventually become UF’s OneStop.
His ability to connect the dots between different university offices came from simply taking the time to learn how each area worked: “I just sat with different people, and I just learned for myself,” he recalls. That curiosity and willingness to help have followed him throughout his career.
One of AJ’s most memorable student interactions happened while he was working in the Bursar’s Office and speaking at Preview events. After one presentation, a family stayed behind with several questions. AJ continued talking with them, answering their questions even after the formal presentation had ended. The next day, he received a positive review from the parents. Then, by coincidence, AJ and his wife ran into the family while having dinner at a local steakhouse. The parents recognized him, thanked him again, and surprised AJ and his wife by paying for their dinner. For AJ, the gesture was more than a free meal. It reminded him of the impact that a seemingly ordinary interaction can have on someone: “You just never know what type of impact you make on people,” he says.
AJ is proud to call himself both a Gator and a Florida A&M Rattler. He grew up in Florida and has remained connected to both institutions throughout his life. Family is another major part of his story. AJ and his wife met at FAMU while they were both involved in the band, and their lives eventually brought them back together years later. Today, their family includes three sons, with two beginning their freshman year at Florida A&M. Their younger son, currently a junior at Eastside High School, hopes to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and attend FAMU as well.
When he isn't working or making music, AJ enjoys spending time with his family, taking spontaneous day trips, cooking, grilling, and experimenting with new recipes. He especially enjoys pasta and loves finding recipes online and trying them out at home, “I saw something on Facebook. I want to see if I can make it,” he jokes.
AJ has plenty of plans for the future. One of his biggest goals is to travel internationally. Although he has visited places such as Cancun, Grand Cayman, and the Bahamas, he hopes to obtain a passport and see more of the world—Paris is high on his list. With his children getting older and the prospect of becoming an empty nester approaching, AJ says he wants to take advantage of the opportunity to travel while he is still young.
At UFIC, however, his focus remains much closer to home: helping international students succeed. Whether he's advising a student about immigration requirements, performing on his saxophone, cooking for his family, or cheering on his sons, AJ brings the same qualities to everything he does—curiosity, dedication, humor, and a genuine desire to help others. “I just love what I do and enjoy doing what I love.” And when asked about his experience at the International Center, AJ keeps it simple: “UFIC is a great place to work.”
Story by: Terrence Funke
Photos provided by: Alvin "AJ" Johnson