Marcus T. Johnson ’99 has made a historic commitment to UNC Greensboro. His gift will ensure that the Alumni House remains a vital, welcoming space for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends – a center for all in the University community. 

In recognition of his commitment, the Alumni House will be named the Marcus T. Johnson Alumni House at a ceremony during UNCG’s 2025 Homecoming in October.   

His support will have a lasting impact across multiple areas on campus. 

Funding for the Alumni House will allow it to continue to serve the evolving needs of the University community, including its alumni. The prominent, beloved building, which opened in 1937 as the “Alumnae House” during the campus’ Woman’s College era, has long been a hub for alumni leadership and meetings. It has also been a valuable resource for student groups, faculty, staff, and the larger community. An early report in the alumni magazine noted, “Its influence reaches every part of college life.” 

At the Bryan School of Business and Economics, Johnson’s support will expand opportunities for students and bolster the innovative Bryan Blueprint Series, which helps accelerate students’ personal and professional growth. 

Johnson’s gift will also strengthen UNCG’s Black Excellence initiatives, which support its African American students, faculty, and staff.

The news was announced at the Feb. 6 UNCG Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees chair George Hoyle ’90 said, “This commitment represents a tremendous endorsement of what UNCG does year after year: It provides a welcoming environment, and it ensures an outstanding educational opportunity to all of its students.”   

Johnson will become the first person of color to have a building named in their honor on UNCG’s campus. 

“I love UNCG and want to give back to the school that has meant so much to me,” he said. “It is truly an honor that UNCG has chosen to recognize this commitment in such a meaningful way.”  

Whitney Hill ’09, president of the Alumni Leadership Board, noted how important this gift is to alumni. “It celebrates relationships and, as our alma mater song says, the ‘unbroken band’ we alumni share. Not only will this generous gift help keep this special building a welcoming and beautiful place, it will also inspire alumni for generations to come.”

Johnson earned his UNCG bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Bryan School of Business and Economics in 1999. He currently serves on the Bryan School’s advisory board and regularly engages with students on campus.   

Johnson leads Johnson Automotive Group, carrying forward its legacy of excellence and service. As a prominent dealership group in the U.S., the company was founded by his father, whom he proudly regards as his mentor and hero. 

“My family is very important to me. There is no success story without them in it. Everything I do is with them in mind,” Johnson said.  

He is a proud member and supporter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is the founder of MJonPurpose, through which he facilitates professional learning symposiums for minority-owned small businesses and mentorship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In 2023, Johnson received the Champions of Public Education honor from the South Carolina School Boards Association for his contributions to public schools. He has also supported community colleges and universities, particularly HBCUs, which he notes have been underfunded for years. He has also built schools in the Divo Region of Côte d’Ivoire, where the government bestowed him with the honorary title of king. 

“My mother was a teacher and school counselor,” he said. “Being raised by an educator helped fuel my passion for closing the opportunity gap for all young people. I see what UNCG is doing to elevate students from historically underserved populations, and my desire is to help bolster that work and make a real impact in their lives.” 

Johnson has witnessed firsthand how welcoming and inclusive today’s UNCG is – whether walking on campus, speaking to a class, or engaging with students. When he joined the Bryan School’s advisory board, he received a button that read, “You belong here.” That message resonates deeply with him and reflects his hope that all students at UNCG feel empowered to thrive. 

UNCG Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr., said, “UNCG is recognized for its success in social mobility, helping its students rise to higher levels of economic and personal achievement than they might have dreamed. Marcus Johnson has taken what he learned here and from his family and has achieved tremendous success. With this generous gift, he is making a profound impact on many lives.” 

This gift is part of the UNCG Light the Way campaign, which so far has raised more than $200 million to increase student access, elevate academic excellence, and enhance the tremendous impact of UNCG’s programs. Learn more here.