2026 MSW Spirit of Social Award Recipient: Dallas Johnson

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in the small town of Okoboji in Northwest Iowa, a little tourist town encompassing several beautiful lakes. Graduate school aspirations took me to Holland, Michigan, coincidentally also a tourist town encompassing a lake in West Michigan. I’m unashamedly a nerd who enjoys films, video games, playing the clarinet, and writing poetry. I would describe myself as curious because I strive to offer a posture of curiosity toward others, regardless of who they are or what their background is. It’s an essential posture to take in the ecumenical and collaborative work I do. While at Baylor, I was involved in the Garland School of Social Work’s Practicum Advisory Council, Phi Alpha Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership & Success. I am also the first in my family to attend Baylor.

What led you to social work and Baylor’s MSW program?

When I enrolled in college, I intended to study to be a youth pastor, so I declared Theology: Youth Ministry as my major. I had enough room in my schedule to add a second major, and my theology advisor recommended social work. After taking a class or two, I decided there was something beautiful and practical in social work that I could grow passionate about. In the years that followed, God expanded my call from the narrow lane of youth ministry to the broader world of churches and Christian nonprofits. 

I received both my BSW and BA in Theology from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. I was led to Baylor’s MSW program by its compelling integration of faith and professional social work—wrestling with the lived experiences of our clients, both positive and negative, and how that intersects with their wellbeing. My MSW concentration was in Organizational Leadership, and my favorite courses were my Community Practice courses. Through them, I learned helpful frameworks and practical skills that I actively use in my work. 

Tell us about your internship and what you have learned from your experiences doing this work. 

I interned at Movement West Michigan, a small faith-affiliated collective impact organization centered on community collaboration. I had a hand in research, community organizing and project management. A quote I love is, “I’d love to add some beauty to life…to make others have a pleasanter time because of me, to create some little joy or happy thought that would have never existed if I hadn’t been born,” from Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montegomery. In lieu of being famous or influential for its own sake, I want to merely make a small difference in the lives of those immediately around me in my community.

Tell us about the needs you see around you and why you want to work to meet those needs. 

We live in a critically divided society—rampant polarization, fragmentation of communities, and deepening tribalist trenches. Even the Church (mysterious “united” according to the Nicene creed), has succumbed to deep division. In a time such as this, collaborative efforts across denominations and faith traditions help replace division with connection and compassion, painting a brighter narrative as we work toward a brighter future.

What are you most proud of, and what are you doing now?

When I was 21, I planned and went on a 40-day backpacking trip through 10 countries in Europe. It was my first time traveling abroad, and it gave me a curiosity and romanticism for life that continues to shape my approach to life, God and my work in the world. 

Now, I’m working full-time as the Collaborations Coordinator at Movement West Michigan, where I did my internship. In Michigan, I’ll receive my LMSW after accruing 4,000 hours of supervision. I expect to take the licensing exam in 2028.

What advice would you give to the students coming behind you?

Hold your plans for the future loosely because you never know how life circumstances will change. That doesn’t mean you don’t make plans, but learn to grow in your ability to sit in the ambiguity of the unknown. You can’t see the future, so don’t try to. Your role as a faithful Christian isn’t to guess God’s plan for you, but to merely live a life of wisdom and obedience. May God guide you in that journey. 

What others say about Dallas.

"Dallas was an online community practice student who demonstrated curiosity, respect and commitment to the intersection of justice and faith. He went out of his way to enhance his learning through mentorship and participation in conferences on social justice and faith. He was curious and humble in his approach and maintained a 4.0 in the program!"