Rachel Abbott named Georgia Southwestern provost and vice president of Academic Affairs

AMERICUS, Ga. (Nov. 4, 2025) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) has announced the appointment of Rachel Abbott, Ph.D., as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. Abbott will continue to serve as interim provost and dean of the College of Education until December 1, when her new role becomes official.

“I am honored to accept this role and continue serving a university and community that mean so much to me,” said Abbott. “Georgia Southwestern has a long tradition of academic excellence and innovation, and I look forward to working alongside our dedicated faculty and staff to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

Abbott joined the faculty in 2009 as an assistant professor in the College of Education. Since then, she has earned tenure and the rank of professor, serving in positions including the Director of Accreditation, Interim Dean, and the Dean of the College of Education.  Under her leadership, the College of Education has strengthened partnerships with school districts across the region, expanded graduate programs and maintained accreditation excellence through rigorous academic standards.

Abbott participated in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Becoming a Provost Academy, served as president of the Georgia Assessment Director’s Association, serves on the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education board and serves on the Evaluation Review Panel of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

“I am confident Dr. Abbott will bring the kind of supportive, dedicated leadership needed to drive academic innovation, foster intellectual growth and champion student success,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “Her proven commitment to collaboration and excellence makes her the ideal person to guide our academic mission forward.”

The national search was conducted by Buffin Baker with assistance from a 17-member search committee chaired by Gaynor Cheokas, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and Computing.

“Please join me in extending deep appreciation to Dr. Gaynor Cheokas for her exceptional leadership as the search committee chair, and to all members of the committee for their dedication and thoughtful work throughout this process,” Johnston added. “I also want to thank the many faculty, staff and students who engaged with our candidates and shared their valuable perspectives. Your feedback was instrumental in identifying the leader who will best serve our academic community and advance our institutional mission.”

An interim dean for the College of Education will be announced in the coming weeks, followed by a national search for a permanent dean.