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Georgia Southwestern State University proudly hosted the Presidential Investiture of Dr. Michelle R. Johnston, the 12th president of our University, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in GSW's Convocation Hall in the Student Success Center. A reception immediately followed on The Commons lawn, welcoming all attendees. For those that were unable to attend, a recording of the Investiture Ceremony is available on the Georgia Southwestern YouTube page.
This investiture was more than just a ceremony—it was a celebration of our collective commitment to rising together as a university and shaping the future for generations of students to come. Your presence honored this milestone and the enduring legacy we continue to build at Georgia Southwestern.
The week was full of special events leading up to this historic occasion, including the Griffin Bell Lecture Series, the ribbon cutting of the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center, a Chamber Concert, and the baseball and softball alumni weekend celebrations.
We’d love to hear your well wishes and what you hope to see GSW achieve under Dr. Johnston's leadership. Please join us in wishing her success as she begins her journey at the helm of GSW by filling out the form below.
Presidential Investiture
investiture@gsw.edu
An Investiture is a ceremony that formally marks the beginning of a president's tenure, traditionally held during or at the conclusion of the president’s first year in office. It is a symbolic and celebratory occasion that emphasizes the president's role and commitment to the institution’s future, and is a time to welcome a new era of leadership and celebrate as a community.
Room blocks are available at the Windsor Hotel and Hampton Inn Americus. Reserve by Friday, March 14 before they are released.
Windsor Hotel
125 West Lamar St.
Americus, GA 31709
(229) 924-1555
Hampton Inn Americus
1609 E Lamar St.
Americus, GA 31709
(229) 924-3890
*Reference the GSW Presidential Investiture upon booking
The Investiture Ceremony will be held in the Convocation Hall (Storm Dome) in GSW's Student Success Center. For detailed driving directions to campus, click here.
University Address:
Georgia Southwestern State University
800 GSW State University Drive
Americus, GA 31709
There are multiple parking lots available for the Investiture located throughout the campus. Please refer to the map below for more details.
Parking for USG Staff, Delegates, and Regents is available in the Crawford Wheatley Hall lot and directly in front of the Wheatley Administration Building.
For your convenience and comfort, multiple golf carts will be available to transport guests to the Storm Dome. These golf carts will be making rounds around the parking areas to ensure easy access. Additionally, there will be a designated drop-off area near the entrance.
Elevator access is provided to the event floor. GSW Marshals will be on hand and happy to assist with any questions or directions.
From special events to community gatherings, each day leading up to Dr. Johnston's Presidential Investiture brought something new as we came together with students, faculty, alumni, and the community to celebrate this momentous occasion. Below is the schedule of events from the week, all culminating in the Investiture Ceremony on Friday, March 28 at 10:00am.
Career Readiness: Our Story of Entrepreneurship and How We Built a Culture of Caring People
11:00 am | SSC Conference Rooms
Join Eshonda Blue, RN, Co-Founder and CEO of Innovative Senior Solutions, for an inspiring conversation about her entrepreneurial journey and how she has cultivated a culture of care in her business. Dr. Johnston will open the event with a brief welcome, setting the stage for valuable insights into leadership and entrepreneurship in the senior services industry.
Women in Leadership
2:00 pm | Nursing Auditorium
In celebration of Women’s History Month, President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D., GSW’s first female president, will be joined by other influential female campus leaders – Interim Provost Rachel Abbott, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Gaye Hayes, Ph.D., Director of Residential and Campus Life Christa Faison, and SGA President Trinity Daniels McNear – for an inspiring discussion on leadership and building a culture of success. *This event will distribute free Investiture t-shirts on a first come, first served basis.
*Griffin Bell Lecture Series
5:00 pm | Jackson Hall
Join us as we welcome Larry D. Thompson, Counsel at Finch McCranie, LLP, and former U.S. Deputy Attorney General, to GSW for a discussion on his distinguished career in law and government.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
Career Readiness: Building Your Personal Brand
11:00 am | Canes Central, Room 111
Your personal brand is your ticket to success! Join Chelsea Collins, GSW’s Director of Marketing and Communications, to learn how to build a brand that reflects your skills, values, and goals—and helps you stand out in the professional world.
HAIL to the Chief
2:00 pm | Wheatley Admin, Room 127
Join Drs. Paul Dahlgren, Jennifer Ryer, and colleagues to explore GSW’s quality enhancement plan, HAIL (High-Impact Approach to Integrative Learning). HAIL draws connections between individual classes, the community, and life beyond college. This session highlights innovative HAIL-driven courses and programs, showcases successes so far, and previews what’s next for integrative learning at GSW. *This event will distribute free Investiture t-shirts on a first come, first served basis.
Resume and Headshot Workshop
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Business, History, and Political Science Building, 2nd Floor Conference Room
Drop in for free headshots and resume assistance with help from the Marketing Management Association! Open to all students – bring your resume or start from scratch.
Career Readiness: Passionate Professionalism
3:30 pm | Canes Central, Room 111
Join Courtney Ellis, GSW Assistant Director of First-Year Experience and Student Success, for an engaging session on how to bring passion and professionalism to your career. Learn how to combine enthusiasm with professionalism to stand out and make an impact in any field.
Poetry with the President
5:30 pm | SSC Conference Rooms
Hosted by the Writing Center, this student-led event will feature poetry, short stories, and creative expression with a special appearance by President Dr. Michelle Johnston.
Intramural Volleyball
6:30 pm | Intramural Gym
Get ready for some fast-paced action as teams face off in our Intramural Volleyball event! Whether you're playing or cheering, come enjoy a night of friendly competition and fun at the Intramural Gym. Dr. Johnston will blow the first whistle, kicking off the game!
Agerton Observatory Open House
8:15 pm | Agerton Observatory atop the Roney Building
Join us for a night of stargazing! Weather permitting, we’ll have the opportunity to observe Jupiter, Mars, and other astronomical wonders. If the skies are cloudy or rainy, the event will be rescheduled for the following evening. Don't miss this chance to explore the cosmos!
Spring Fling
11:00 am | The Commons
Spring is in the air! Students, join us at The Commons for an unforgettable afternoon filled with exciting games and delicious food. Dr. Johnston will kick off the event with a brief welcome and will also have a street sign made in her honor! *This event will distribute free Investiture t-shirts on a first come, first served basis.
Softball
1:00 pm | Softball Field
Come out and support the Lady Canes as they take on West Alabama in an exciting doubleheader! Dr. Johnston will throw out the first pitch to kick off the first game at 1PM. It’s going to be a thrilling day of softball, so bring your friends and cheer on our team to victory!
*Piano Recital
3:30 pm | Jackson Hall
Join us for a beautiful afternoon of music in Jackson Hall! Enjoy performances from talented pianists including our talented faculty, inspiring students, and accomplished alumni as well as a special performance by Dr. Johnston.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
"Flannery O'Connor at 100" Presentation
5:00 pm | English Building, Room 212
Join us for a faculty and student presentation on "Flannery O'Connor at 100", marking the centenary of the celebrated writer's birth. The event will explore her life and legacy, featuring insights from faculty and students.
Intramural Pickleball
6:30 pm | Tennis Courts
Get ready for some fast-paced action as teams face off in our Intramural Pickleball event! Whether you're playing or cheering, come enjoy a night of friendly competition and fun down at the tennis courts. Dr. Johnston and her husband, Gene, will play the first game to kick off the event!
Career Readiness: Canes Career Corner
11:00 am | Canes Central Computer Lab
This is a drop-in session to get help with your career journey! Meet with the Digital Career Counselor, explore Focus 2, get a resume review, practice through mock interviews, and learn how to navigate your next career steps. Perfect for students at any stage of their career prep!
Campus Tour
2:00 pm | Wheatley Administration Building
Join us for a guided tour of GSW to experience our beautiful campus, the friendly faces of our campus community, and the momentum that drives our students.
Poster Exhibit: 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War's End
2:00 pm | Canes Central
Stop by to explore a poster exhibit commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. As part of HAIL QEP’s experiential-learning initiative, students in HIST 4500 have curated artifacts that highlight the American military experience in Vietnam.
*Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center Ribbon Cutting
4:00 pm | Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center
The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here! Join us for the official ribbon cutting of the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center—a milestone years in the making! Be among the first to step inside for an exclusive sneak peek and explore everything this incredible new space has to offer. Following the ceremony, enjoy a celebratory reception as we mark this exciting chapter for our community.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
Fall Registration Party
5:00 – 7:00 pm | Canes Central
Freshmen, get a head start on your next college semester at the Fall Registration Party! Register for classes one day early with the help of faculty and First-Year Experience staff. Dr. Johnston will stop by to connect and offer support as you prepare for your next journey at GSW! *This event will distribute free Investiture t-shirts on a first come, first served basis.
*Chamber Concert Series: Brink Bush
7:30 pm | Calvary Episcopal Church
Join us for the final performance of the 2024-25 Chamber Concert Series featuring Brink Bush on the organ at Calvary Episcopal Church. This event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. A reception will follow in Parrish Hall.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
*Investiture Ceremony for Dr. Michelle R. Johnston
10:00 – 11:15 am | Convocation Hall, Student Success Center
Celebrate a historic moment as we formally invest Dr. Michelle R. Johnston into her role and honor her leadership at GSW. This ceremony marks a new chapter for both Dr. Johnston and the university, highlighting our collective commitment to excellence and progress. Reception to follow. *This event will distribute free Investiture t-shirts on a first come, first served basis.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
Reception following Investiture Ceremony
11:30 am | The Commons
Celebrate the Investiture of Dr. Michelle R. Johnston with a reception at The Commons. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and great conversation with colleagues as we celebrate this historic event.
Campus Tour
1:00 pm | Wheatley Administration Building
Join us for a guided tour of GSW to experience our beautiful campus, the friendly faces of our campus community, and the momentum that drives our students.
Baseball
6:00 pm | Baseball Field
Get ready for an action-packed evening as the Canes take on Flagler College. Dr. Johnston takes the mound to throw out the first pitch! Canes 360 will be open exclusively for current members, so come enjoy the perks, the energy, and the excitement.
