Tell us who you are, what you do, and where you work. How did your path lead into higher education AV?
My name is Teiko Johnson, and I am the Senior Audio Visual Manager at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. I lead audiovisual operations, classroom technology, and event support across campus while managing a team that supports learning and meeting spaces.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
A typical day includes supporting classroom technology, overseeing AV projects, managing event logistics, reviewing service requests, and working with my team to resolve technical issues. In addition to supporting our main campus, I also help manage technology needs across four remote locations, ensuring faculty, staff, and students have a consistent experience regardless of where they are learning or working.
I regularly collaborate with faculty, staff, vendors, and IT partners to improve technology services and ensure classrooms and event spaces are ready for instruction and major institutional events.
Outside of work, what are some of the things you enjoy doing?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and staying active. Fitness has become a major part of my life over the past few years, and I recently reached a milestone of losing more than 80 pounds. That journey has taught me the value of consistency, discipline, and setting long-term goals.
I also enjoy reconnecting with old friends, exploring new places, and keeping up with emerging technology and industry trends. Whether it is personal growth, travel, or professional development, I enjoy experiences that challenge me and help me continue learning.
How did you first learn about the Prism Scholarship?
I first learned about the Prism Scholarship through a former colleague who reached out to me and encouraged me to explore the program. After learning more about Prism and its mission to support, develop, and advance underrepresented professionals in the AV industry, I became very interested in the opportunity. The program aligned with my commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and building meaningful connections within the AV community, which motivated me to apply.
What motivated you to apply?
I saw it as a valuable opportunity to grow my leadership skills, expand my professional network, and continue advancing my career in higher education technology.
Was there a specific person, experience, or goal that encouraged you to take this step?
Yes. As I mentioned earlier, a former employee of mine introduced me to the Prism Scholarship opportunity. She was an outstanding employee, and I was honored that she thought enough of me to reach out and encourage me to apply. Her recommendation gave me the confidence to take the next step, and it reinforced the importance of mentorship and professional relationships.
Knowing that someone I had worked with believed I would gain valuable experience from the program made the decision to apply an easy one.
What made this feel like the right time in your career?
After more than 25 years in AV and technology leadership, I felt this was the right time to invest in my own professional growth. Much of my career has been focused on supporting and developing others, and the Prism Scholarship presented an opportunity to expand my network, gain new perspectives, and continue developing as a leader in higher education technology.
I also saw it as a chance to learn from other professionals in the industry while contributing my own experiences to the community.
What are your current professional goals?
My current professional goals are to continue growing as a technology leader, expand my expertise in emerging AV and AI-driven technologies, and modernize the way technology services are delivered in higher education. I am focused on creating more efficient and scalable support models, improving the user experience, and ensuring our classrooms, meeting spaces, and remote campuses are equipped to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff.
I also want to continue advancing my leadership skills, grow my professional network within the higher education AV community, and pursue opportunities to contribute to the industry through mentorship, speaking engagements, and knowledge sharing.
What skills or knowledge are you hoping to gain through the Prism experience?
Through the Prism experience, I hope to expand my leadership skills, strengthen my professional network, and gain new perspectives from other AV and technology professionals across higher education. I am particularly interested in learning more about emerging technologies, industry best practices, mentorship, and innovative approaches to supporting learning environments.
What excites you most about this opportunity?
What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to connect with and learn from a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about higher education technology and AV. Throughout my career, I have benefited from collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences, and I look forward to building new relationships within the Prism community.
Why do programs like Prism matter to the AV industry?
Programs like Prism matter because they help create opportunities, increase representation, and provide access to mentorship and professional development within the AV industry. When people can see others with similar backgrounds succeeding in the field, it helps make the industry feel more welcoming and accessible.
Have there been moments in your career when representation, mentorship, or community made a difference for you?
Absolutely. Throughout my career, mentors, colleagues, and professional communities have played an important role in my growth. They provided guidance, shared knowledge, and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that helped me develop as both a technical professional and a leader.
A recent example is being encouraged by a former employee to apply for the Prism Scholarship. Her confidence in me reinforced the value of mentorship and reminded me how much impact a simple conversation or word of encouragement can have on someone’s career.
What does being selected as a Prism Scholar mean to you personally?
Being selected as a Prism Scholar is both an honor and a validation of the work I have put into my career over the past 25 years. It represents an opportunity to continue growing as a leader, expand my professional network, and learn from a talented group of peers across higher education and the AV industry.
What part of the program are you most looking forward to?
I am excited about the mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities the program offers. After more than 25 years in the industry, I still believe there is always something new to learn, and I look forward to gaining fresh perspectives that I can apply to my career, my team, and the students, faculty, and staff we support.
If you could fast-forward to the end of the experience, what would you hope to have accomplished?
I hope to have built meaningful relationships with fellow scholars and mentors, expanded my professional network, and gained new perspectives that will help me grow as a leader. I also hope to apply what I learn to improve technology services at my institution and continue advancing innovation in higher education AV.
Most importantly, I hope to leave the program having contributed to the Prism community, shared my experiences with others, and become a stronger advocate for mentorship, professional development, and representation within our industry.
What message would you share with others who may be considering applying in the future?
My advice would be simple: apply. Don’t talk yourself out of the opportunity or assume you’re not qualified enough. Programs like Prism are designed to help professionals grow, connect with others, and gain new experiences, regardless of where they are in their careers.
I would also encourage people to be open to learning, networking, and sharing their own story. You never know who you might inspire or what opportunities may come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Applying for Prism started with one conversation and someone encouraging me to take a chance, and I am glad I did.
