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The presidential investiture for Dr. Michelle Johnston was held March 28. Johnston is the twelfth president of GSW, and the first woman to become president of the school.

Mayor Lee Kinnamon addressed those gathered, speaking of Johnston’s commitment. “From the moment you arrived, you and your husband Gene embraced our community, and it is clear that the community has embraced you in return. In fact, you called me to meet with you almost immediately after your arrival in Americus. You and Gene were still living out of your suitcases at the Windsor Hotel. But you did not let that stop you from reaching out to me and to this community with great enthusiasm to share your beautiful vision, a vision that is already shaping a bright future for the University and for Americus and Sumter County.”

Jeff Benton, chair of the board of trustees of the GSW foundation, spoke of the existing momentum at GSW, and praised Johnston’s vision to take that momentum even further. “I’m excited about what she sees in our future. Her energy and competitive spirit are both inspiring and contagious, and she is currently spearheading the ambitious $12.5 million fund raising campaign, Rising Together Shaping Futures.”

Andrea Ingram, president of the Alumni Association spoke of her concern for student achievements. “Your vision is unwavering and your commitment to student success is evident in your actions.”

Ingram praised Johnston’s ability to create relationships with those she served. “Your humility and commitment to listening to every voice creates an environment of trust, ensuring that all feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

Dr. Jamie McLennan, GSW faculty senate president, welcomed Johnston. “As the Faculty Senate President, I’ve had an opportunity to work closely with Dr Johnston, and it’s become clear to me that she is considerate, she listens, and she really cares. She’s asking me to serve on her presidential cabinet, and I know the faculty are grateful for that.” He also praised her involvement at faculty senate meetings.

Trinity Daniels McNear, student government president, also welcomed Johnston. “I am personally honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside President Johnson during my two-week term as student body president. Her openness to engage in meaningful conversations, her willingness to listen and her commitment to taking action for the betterment of Georgia Southwestern as a whole are truly inspiring.”

Rae Johnston and Abi Willcoxon both shared their pride in their mother’s accomplishments, speaking of how the community Johnston chose to serve is now part of her family.

Dr. Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University system of Georgia, performed the investiture and presented Johnston with the medallion. “We’ve celebrated the life of Dr Johnson already, and her more than 30 years of experience in higher education since 2018. We were fortunate to find her right here in Georgia, steadfast in the service of students and our own University System of Georgia, first at Coastal Georgia and now here at Georgia Southwestern. With that celebration comes a recognition of this University’s history and all that it will continue to accomplish under her leadership.”

Johnston gave her inaugural address. “Thank you all for making this day, this institution, a priority.” Johnston expressed her enthusiasm for the future. “I’m so energized about what we can do. We’re going to be announcing strategic planning focus groups and discussion sessions that involve anyone and everyone.” She also expressed plans for greater connections between academic partners and the surrounding community. “I am so impressed with this community, the passion and commitment of our city and our county governments, our education partners, our business community, we talk, we work together, and we are going to do some really, really big things through Sumter Strong.”