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This story originally appeared in the 2025 Aeolian magazine.
When Dr. Michelle R. Johnston arrived in Americus in June 2024 as the 12th president of Georgia Southwestern State University, the weight of history was immediately evident. As she and her husband, Gene Pierce, drove onto campus and passed multiple signs noting GSW’s founding in 1906, the moment carried deep significance.
“Awe. That was my first feeling… I felt a rush of reverence for the incredible history and legacy of those almost 120 years.”
That sense of awe, rooted in tradition yet oriented toward possibility, has defined Dr. Johnston’s leadership. From day one, she has led with intention and heart, engaging deeply with the campus and the broader community. Her approach is as personal as it is strategic, fueled by a belief in the power of people. Dr. Johnston has helped usher in a new era at Georgia Southwestern – one marked by momentum, collaboration and a renewed focus on providing a transformational education for students while strengthening the University’s role as an anchor institution for Southwest Georgia.
Dr. Johnston’s connection to higher education began early. She grew up in a university town, where her father worked as a researcher and her mother owned a small business. Campus life was a constant presence, shaping her understanding of education not just as instruction, but as community.
An accomplished pianist, Dr. Johnston earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance before completing a Ph.D. in educational leadership. Over a career spanning more than 30 years in higher education, she has served in roles ranging from faculty member to senior administrator, building a leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration, student success and people-first decision-making. At the heart of her leadership is a deep belief in the life-changing power of education.
In June 2024, Dr. Johnston became GSW’s 12th president – and its first female president – marking a historic milestone for the University.
“People and relationships have always been the number one focus. I have a ‘people first, mission always’ commitment.”
That philosophy has resonated deeply at Georgia Southwestern, where she quickly found alignment with a campus culture defined by care, collegiality and shared purpose.
What drew Dr. Johnston to Georgia Southwestern was not just its potential, but its legacy. In its nearly 120-year history, GSW has produced a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a U.S. President and First Lady, a national attorney general, a lieutenant general, entrepreneurs, military leaders, international athletes and public servants at every level.
For a university of its size, the impact is extraordinary and continues today through more than 30,000 living alumni making a difference in their communities and professions.
Dr. Johnston frequently emphasizes that this legacy is not accidental. It is built on a foundation of faculty and staff who go beyond preparing students for careers, helping them become engaged citizens and leaders.
“A college degree matters. It changes lives.”
That belief is symbolized by a simple but powerful initiative she launched early in her presidency: asking every faculty and staff member to display a GSW diploma cover prominently in their office, a visible reminder of the shared mission of student success.
Under Dr. Johnston’s leadership, Georgia Southwestern has experienced a year of remarkable growth and national recognition.
In Fall 2025, GSW welcomed the largest enrollment in its history with 4,017 students, an 8.5 percent enrollment increase over last year, marking the University’s third consecutive year of record-breaking growth. GSW also earned the Chancellor’s Cup Award for a 9.1 percent increase in retention, the highest among state universities.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the strategic efforts and dedication of our faculty and staff.”
GSW continues to rise in national prominence, earning recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top Public Universities in the South.” Over the past five years, the University has generated more than $500 million in economic impact for the region and is a leader in the state in graduate retention, with 80 percent of alumni remaining in Georgia to strengthen the workforce.
Dr. Johnston credits this success to faculty and staff who consistently go the extra mile in teaching, mentoring and supporting students.
GSW also ranks third in the University System of Georgia for graduate earnings one year post-graduation, trailing only behind Georgia Tech and Augusta University.
GSW Athletics remains a point of pride, earning the Peach Belt Conference’s President’s Academic Award for the third consecutive year. Student-athletes posted a 3.21 combined GPA, the highest in a decade. The Hurricanes also ranked fourth nationally in the NCAA Teamworks community service competition, with 179 student-athletes contributing 7,382 hours across more than 60 service projects.
Campus spirit also reached new heights as Surge, GSW’s beloved mascot, was voted Peach Belt Mascot of the Year for 2025, receiving the conference’s inaugural championship belt. That same campus spirit carried into Under the Lights, where the Lady Hurricanes drew the largest crowd in Peach Belt history for a women’s soccer game.
Student life at GSW is more active and engaged than ever. The Student Government Association now includes more than 70 members, representing every area of campus, who are advocating for student needs and enhancing campus life. Greek Life continues to thrive, with 14 fraternities and sororities making a meaningful impact through philanthropy, national recognition and award-winning involvement. The addition of a Greek Revitalization Committee, supported by dedicated alumni, provides guidance and strengthened support as Greek Life continues to grow.
Intramural Sports has surged in popularity, offering expanded sport options and improved facilities, with men’s basketball and flag football earning both regional and national championship appearances.
The President Jimmy Carter Leadership Program, with approximately 75 members, exemplifies GSW’s commitment to service, contributing more than 15,000 total volunteer hours to the community, while the newest cohort has raised over $3,700 for SOWEGA CASA – a total that continues to grow each year.
Dr. Johnston has placed strong emphasis on strengthening ties between GSW and the broader Americus–Sumter County community. Through Sumter Strong, the University works alongside city and county leaders to identify priorities and pursue shared solutions.
Students have also been actively engaged. Business students partnered with the Sumter County Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Georgia’s VITA program to prepare more than 80 free tax returns for local residents. GSW also collaborated with South Georgia Technical College, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and the Fuller Center for Housing to build a home for a local family through the Big Event: Blitz Build.
Philanthropy reached historic levels in 2025. GSW celebrated its most successful Day of Giving ever, with 602 donors from all 50 states contributing $223,021 – a 35 percent increase over the previous year.
That momentum continues with "Rising Together, Shaping Futures," a $12.5 million comprehensive fundraising campaign focused on student access, student success and faculty and staff excellence, the most ambitious effort of its kind in University history.
Facilities investments also marked a significant year. In March 2025, GSW celebrated the grand opening of the new Griffin Bell Conference Center, a $6.4 million project funded entirely by private support. In October 2025, the $5 million modernization of the James Earl Carter Library was completed, creating a 21st-century learning hub open to both students and the public.
Looking ahead, GSW has secured $20.3 million in state funding for a new natural sciences building scheduled for completion in 2027.
With strengthened enrollment, national recognition, expanded partnerships, record-breaking philanthropy and state-of-the-art facilities, Dr. Johnston’s first year has been nothing short of transformational for GSW.
The inauguration of Dr. Michelle Johnston as Georgia Southwestern State University’s 12th president marked a defining moment in the institution’s history. The week-long celebration highlighted the University’s strong traditions while setting the stage for an ambitious new era of growth, innovation and community partnership.
Investiture Week reflected Dr. Johnston’s approachable leadership style and wide-ranging interests – from throwing the first pitch at softball and baseball games, to performing in a piano recital, to joining a pickleball match with students and community members. The celebration also included a ribbon cutting for the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center and a fireside chat with former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson.
The Investiture Ceremony itself drew more than 700 guests, reflecting the wide-reaching support for GSW and its new leader. Leaders across Georgia and within the GSW community offered words of encouragement and recognition for Dr. Johnston’s vision and early leadership:
Governor Brian Kemp:
“As one of the fastest growing schools in the state of Georgia, GSW plays a vital role in preparing students for successful careers. I know Dr. Johnston will carry on the proud legacy of producing leaders of Southwest Georgia and our entire state.”
Senator Freddie Powell Sims:
“Your leadership and commitment to student success are truly inspiring, and I have no doubt that Georgia Southwestern will continue to thrive under your leadership.”
Regent Dallas Smith:
“We look forward to watching you lead Georgia Southwestern with the strength of a Hurricane.”
GSW Foundation Board Chair Jeff Benton:
“She is building on the existing momentum and has a vision that is beyond our current infrastructure for growth that is amazing. Her energy and competitive spirit are both inspiring and contagious.”
Americus Mayor Lee Kinnamon:
“Americus and Georgia Southwestern share a long and proud history together, and we are excited for this new chapter under your capable and loving leadership.”
GSW Faculty Senate President Dr. Jamie MacLennan:
“She is considerate, she listens, she really cares… and because of that commitment, I know GSW will continue to thrive under her leadership.”
In reflecting on the significance of the week, Dr. Johnston emphasized the importance of the theme shared between the fundraising campaign and Investiture Week: “Rising Together encourages every one of us to strive for excellence while also uplifting those around us. Shaping Futures emphasizes that education builds the foundation for future success. Let’s hold onto this important theme for many years to come.”
As Georgia Southwestern approaches its 120th anniversary, the focus turns toward the future.
The University is currently developing its next Strategic Plan, which will set the course for the University’s academic, operational and community priorities.
GSW is also working on a new 10-year Facilities Master Plan. This blueprint will serve as the foundation for future campus development, ensuring that the University’s physical spaces support its mission and growth.
Dr. Johnston notes, “As we look ahead, I am excited about the future as a new era of success and excellence is in front of us.”
After a year and a half at Georgia Southwestern, Dr. Johnston points to the people – students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners – as her greatest source of pride.
“The first 120 years of our history have made us who we are today, but I believe that our best years are ahead.”
She often encourages reflection at the Presidential Plaza, home to the etched signature of alumnus Jimmy Carter. At the Plaza dedication in 2017, President Carter said, “I’m very proud of the progress that continues to be made here at my favorite college.”
Dr. Johnston believes that responsibility now rests with the current generation and that the GSW community shares a collective charge to sustain and build upon the University’s momentum. “Together, we share a special responsibility to keep those wheels of progress turning, to accelerate the momentum that’s been building and to make sure we are the favorite college for many more to come. Just like President Carter, we want our students to know they can go anywhere and accomplish anything with a Georgia Southwestern degree. We are providing a transformational education.”
