Seth Johnson has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Johnson is a multimedia professional who specializes in creative production and digital storytelling. He graduated from Coker University in 2012 with a double major in Fine Arts and Communications.
After graduation, Seth worked in Coker University’s Marketing and Communications office as the Video Production and Broadcast Media Specialist until 2020. During this time, he crafted hundreds of compelling videos and advertisements, leaving a lasting mark on the university’s brand and ethos. Notably, Seth played a pivotal role in Coker’s rebranding initiative, coining the tagline “It’s Your Story,” which became emblematic of Coker’s identity for several years.
At Coker, Seth also took on ambitious projects, including creating a feature-length film of the 2013 baseball team’s remarkable journey to the NCAA Division II National Championship, titled “A Season to Remember.” Additionally, he produced a documentary for the travel abroad program entitled “Journey into Memory: Confronting the Holocaust Today,” exploring the contemporary significance of Holocaust studies. He also produced several fundraising videos to support Coker’s giving campaigns, most notably the #OneForCoker annual giving campaign.
Seth has also significantly contributed to social and environmental causes through his documentary filmmaking. He was an additional cinematographer in the Peabody Award-winning documentary series, “180 Days,” a PBS film focused on addressing the urgent need for reform in American public schools.
For several years, he has collaborated with New Alpha Community Development Corporation, an environmental justice organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. Notably, Seth produced a documentary about their Justice First Tour, a nationwide campaign to spread awareness and promote change regarding environmental justice issues.
Similarly, Seth has also worked with Dogwood Alliance, an environmental conservation advocacy organization, to produce a documentary titled “Pee Dee Indian Tribe: Community Conservation.” This documentary recounts the Pee Dee Indian Tribe’s pursuit of a regenerative economy based on ecological restoration and community protection.
In 2020, Seth transitioned from Coker to ACS Technologies, where he continued his work as a Media Production Specialist. Collaborating with a creative team, he
contributed to developing educational courses and software training materials, all designed to serve churches and nonprofit organizations.
In 2024, Seth realized a lifelong dream by beginning to work full-time at Lochwood Studios, a Content Marketing Agency he co-founded with his brother, Greyson Johnson, a fellow Coker alumnus. In 2023, Lochwood Studios won first place in the Pee Dee Idea challenge, competing against 70+ startups in the region. Based in Hartsville, South Carolina, Lochwood Studios specializes in video and photography content for businesses, schools, and nonprofits. Their extensive portfolio includes collaborations with numerous local organizations, including Carolina Pines, GSSM, Sonoco, Trent Hill Center, SPC, Child and Family Resource Center, and Coker University.
Beyond his professional achievements, Seth remains deeply connected to his alma mater. Since 2013, he has faithfully photographed every summer and winter graduation ceremony, preserving cherished memories for countless Coker graduates.
Residing in Hartsville with his wife, Kelsey Ogilvie Johnson, also a Coker alumna, Seth enjoys outdoor pursuits, including camping, hiking, and gardening. Together, they eagerly anticipate the future as they plan and build their equestrian homestead while continuing to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
