From the President: When GSW Thrives, Americus Thrives

This story originally appeared in the Canes Corner section of the Americus Times-Recorder newspaper.

By Dr. Michelle Johnston

It is my honor to welcome you to the very first installment of Canes Corner, a new column designed to share updates, stories, events and milestones from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW).

Since stepping into the role as GSW's president in June 2024, I am reminded daily that Georgia Southwestern is far more than a campus. For 120 years, GSW has helped shape lives, strengthen families and support communities across Southwest Georgia. That is why I firmly believe this: when GSW thrives, Americus thrives.

Georgia Southwestern is experiencing remarkable momentum. We are the fastest-growing state university in Georgia, with enrollment increasing by 27 percent over the past five years and a record-breaking 4,017 students this year. Even more importantly, students who begin their journey here are staying. This year, the University System of Georgia recognized GSW for the largest increase in student retention among state universities. Growth like this doesn't happen by accident. It reflects a campus deeply committed to student success and a community that believes in the value of education.

That success ripples far beyond our campus boundaries. Over the past five years alone, Georgia Southwestern's economic impact on our region has exceeded half a billion dollars. But numbers only tell part of the story. The true impact of GSW is measured in graduates who go on to build meaningful careers, raise families, and contribute to the communities they call home. More than 80 percent of our graduates remain in Georgia after earning their degree, helping strengthen the workforce and economy of our state.

A Georgia Southwestern degree truly matters. Among all 25 colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia, GSW ranks third – behind only Georgia Tech and Augusta University – in alumni earnings one year after graduation. Over a lifetime, a GSW graduate will earn an estimated $1.4 million more than someone without a bachelor's degree. These outcomes change not just individual lives, but the trajectory of entire families.

What makes this work especially meaningful are the stories behind the statistics. Our students include first-generation college students, adult learners, working parents, veterans, and those returning to the classroom after years away. Many of our students have overcome extraordinary obstacles to earn their degrees – stories of perseverance, courage and determination that remind me why education remains one of the most powerful forces for social mobility.

Each graduate represents a family empowered, a community enriched and a future reimagined. When those graduates stay, work, volunteer and lead in Americus and across Southwest Georgia, our entire region benefits.

Through Canes Corner, my hope is to strengthen the connection between Georgia Southwestern and the community we are proud to serve. In the months ahead, I'll share updates about student achievements, academic programs, community partnerships and the people who make GSW special. This column is an invitation to stay informed, to stay engaged and to celebrate the progress we are making together.

Georgia Southwestern State University's work extends well beyond our campus, creating momentum that benefits our entire community.

Because when GSW thrives, Americus thrives. And together, we are taking tomorrow by storm!