Dr. Charryse Johnson

Presbyterian College will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events highlighting faith, service, and a commitment to justice.

The observance begins with a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at First Presbyterian Church of Clinton. The Rev. Dr. British Hyrams, the Jack and Jane Presseau Associate Chaplain at Presbyterian College, will deliver the sermon. The Presbyterian College Choir, directed by Kipper Ackerman, a 1997 graduate and assistant director of admissions for fine arts, will provide musical selections.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20, PC students will embody King’s spirit of service by participating in community projects across Laurens County. The initiatives are coordinated by Student Volunteer Services, aiming to make a tangible difference in the local community.

The annual campus-wide celebration will culminate with a keynote address on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. in Edmunds Hall. Dr. Charryse Johnson, a nationally recognized mental health expert, author, and consultant, will deliver remarks centered on the theme “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” mirroring the mission of The King Center.

Johnson, the founder of Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness, is an advocate for mental health and inclusivity. She is the author of several works, including Expired Mindsets, the recent guided journal Mindset Matters: Get Off the Scale and Heal and Embrace: 28 Days of Self-Love.

Her extensive background in counseling psychology and trauma makes her a prominent voice in conversations about leadership and equity. As a clinician, she has worked with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and is adept at helping individuals navigate challenging life transitions and identity development.

Johnson holds bachelor’s degrees in both vocal music and human development and family studies, a master’s in professional counseling, and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology, with a concentration in crisis and trauma. As an executive wellness consultant, she supports non-profits, educational institutions, and corporations looking to develop strategic initiatives that center on leadership, inclusivity, and mental health.

Johnson is a frequent advocate and advisor for national radio shows and news stations in Charlotte, N.C., and the surrounding areas. In addition, she was selected and featured by MSN as one of the “Top 10 Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future of Business in 2024.” Her knowledge and insights have also been featured in publications such as BRAINZ Magazine, CNBC Online News, Prevention, Romper, Healthline,Bustle, and the Atlassian.

These events are free and open to the public, reflecting Presbyterian College’s ongoing commitment to honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful engagement with faith, service, and dialogue.