After years of journalistic experience on his high school and DePauw University newspapers, Mark Johnson (IPJ 86, ICPES 87) came to the Institute on Political Journalism during the summer of his sophomore and junior years. He interned at the Reagan White House in the Office of Communications.

He returned to TFAS the following summer, this time attending the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems for “a chance to have the same kind of incredibly fun and extremely enriching summer as I did in IPJ.”

Johnson’s his summer as an intern for the Dole for President exploratory committee enhanced his rising “Potomac Fever,” and convinced him that he would someday return to Washington as a journalist.

Upon graduating, Johnson was awarded a news writing and editing fellowship at the Poynter Institute in Florida.

Johnson resumed his journalism career at the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering the police beat. In 1993, he was promoted to cover national criminal justice and legal issues for Media General Newspapers in Washington, D.C.

In 2000, Johnson took his Washington experience to Raleigh, N.C., covering state government and politics for The Charlotte Observer. He continues his active participation with TFAS, serving on the IPJ Board of Visitors, helping arrange guest speakers and internships and moderating panel discussions.