New President sets course for Georgia Southwestern State University

Americus, Ga. (WTVM) - Dr. Michelle Johnston officially became president of Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus June 1st.

Johnston, who is the first woman to serve as president of the university, is not new to campus leadership. She previously served as president of the College of Coastal Georgia since 2018.

Johnston says she’s humbled to come into a legacy with strong ties to the 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his late wife First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

“Because of President Carter and First Lady Carter, there’s national prominence for this institution, and so, I think it’s really, really important for us to take care of this institution,” said Johnston.

Johnston says one of her goals is to keep the students, faculty, and staff on a positive trajectory. She wants to capitalize on the school’s continued enrollment growth.

“This fall we’re expecting 3,500 students which will be the largest enrollment in our history, and so I look forward to making sure that we have the great academic programs, we support our faculty and our staff,” said Johnston.

Johnston believes the University can succeed by expanding community connections, partnerships and outreach efforts.

“I think that we have an opportunity to really expand our impact,” said Johnston. “When I looked at the care that the faculty and the staff take, and we have a really strong foundation board that supports this institution.”

Georgia Southwestern State University is one of the 26 public colleges and universities that comprise the University System of Georgia.