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Georgia Southwestern State University proudly invites you to 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 will immediately follow on The Commons lawn, welcoming all attendees. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Georgia Southwestern YouTube page for anyone unable to attend.
We kindly request the favor of your RSVP by Friday, February 28, 2025.
This investiture is more than a ceremony—it is a celebration of our collective commitment to rising together as a university and shaping the future for generations of students to come. Your presence honors this milestone and the enduring legacy we continue to build at Georgia Southwestern.
Join us for a week 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. Learn more 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 have been held at the Windsor Hotel and the Hampton Inn Americus:
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
Parking is available on the north and east sides of the Storm Dome/Student Success Center, accessible via Perimeter Road/Edgewood Avenue, as well as behind the Florrie Chappell Gymnasium.
VIP parking is available between Crawford Wheatley Hall and 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 will bring something new as we bring together students, faculty, alumni, and the community to celebrate this momentous occasion. Below is the schedule of events for the week, all leading up to 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
11:00am | SSC Conference Rooms
Join Eshonda Blue, RN, Co-Founder and CEO of Innovative Senior Solutions, for a discussion on her entrepreneurial journey and how she built a culture of care in her business. Gain valuable insights into leadership and entrepreneurship in the senior services industry!
*Griffin Bell Lecture Series
5:00 pm | Jackson Hall
*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.
Softball
3:00 pm & 5:00 pm | Softball Field
Catch the Lady Canes in action as they take on Valdosta State in an exciting doubleheader. GSW President Dr. Johnston takes the mound to throw out the first pitch!
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.
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. GSW President Dr. Johnston will blow the first whistle, kicking off the game!
Spring Fling
11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Sanford Lawn
Spring is in the air! Students, join us on Sanford Lawn for an unforgettable afternoon filled with exciting games, delicious food, and live entertainment. Whether you're looking to unwind, compete, or just soak up the sunshine, there's something for everyone.
Softball
1:00 & 3:00 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. 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 a special performance by Dr. Johnston. Don’t miss this chance to experience an afternoon of live music and artistry.
*Your RSVP for this event is greatly appreciated, though not required!
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!
*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, take a guided tour, 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.
*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.
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.
Softball
6:00 pm | Softball Field
Join us for an exciting evening of Lady Canes Softball as they take on USC Beaufort. Head to the Softball Field to cheer on the team and enjoy some thrilling action under the lights.
Baseball
6:00 pm | Baseball Field
Get ready for an action-packed evening as the Canes take on Flagler College. GSW President 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.
Letterman’s Club Golf Tournament
9:00 am | Griffin Bell Golf Course
Join us for the Letterman’s Club Golf Tournament at Griffin Bell Golf Course! This exciting event is part of the Baseball & Softball Alumni Weekend, bringing together former athletes for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie on the green.
Softball
1:00 & 3:00 pm | Softball Field
Come out to the Softball Field for an exciting doubleheader as the Lady Canes take on USC Beaufort!
Baseball Alumni Recognition
5:40 pm | Baseball Field
Join us before the 6 pm game as we honor the outstanding contributions and achievements of our baseball alumni.
Baseball
6:00 pm | Baseball Field
Come out for an exciting matchup as the Canes take on Flagler College! Don’t miss the action as our team competes for a thrilling victory under the lights.
Devyn Newberry Scholarship Recognition
12:40 pm | Baseball Field
“Do it for Devyn”
Join us as we announce the winner of the Devyn Newberry Scholarship, awarded to a current Hurricanes player.
Baseball
1:00 pm | Baseball Field
Come out and cheer on the Canes as they take on Flagler College!