Meet GSW's 12th President

This story originally appeared in the 2024 Aeolian magazine.

Dr. Michelle R. Johnston Takes the Helm

Georgia Southwestern welcomes Dr. Michelle R. Johnston, the University’s first female president, who began her tenure on June 1. Johnston’s first few months have been filled with introductions and exploration as she immerses herself in the campus and Americus community.

A Wealth of Experience

Johnston brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to GSW with over 30 years in higher education, serving in administration and as a faculty member. Before joining GSW, she served as President of the College of Coastal Georgia and previously led the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College in Ohio.

Johnston holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Alabama, a master’s degree in piano performance from Louisiana State University, a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Mississippi State University and a post-doctorate in marketing and management from the University of Florida. “It was a whirlwind tour of the SEC,” she jokes.

Getting to Know Dr. Johnston

Johnston joins the Americus community, along with her “soulmate and best friend,” Gene Pierce. She has two daughters – Rae who is a doctoral student at Georgia Tech, and Abi who researches and manages a lab at the University of Alabama. “We are blessed with an amazing family. Their love and support as we’ve moved to Georgia Southwestern has been incredible.”   

In their free time, they enjoy traveling, gardening and fishing. “We love to be out on the water with a fishing pole in hand. It’s so relaxing!” Johnston’s background in music, as a performer and teacher, remains a passion in her life. “I don’t have a lot of time to practice these days, but I love to attend concerts and church services and perform when I can.” 

Finding A Supportive Community

They have found a warm welcome in Americus and are excited to call this home. “Gene and I grew up in small towns, and we love communities where families and friends have deep connections. The Americus community has wrapped their arms around us and helped us get settled in every way. The enthusiasm locally and from the many GSW alumni and friends who have reached out to voice their support demonstrates that this University is really, really special.”

Building on GSW’s Momentum

Johnston acknowledges GSW's existing strengths, and is committed to building on this momentum, ensuring student success and expanding the University’s reach.

“We have so much momentum,” she told guests at her welcome reception in July. Johnston went on to reference a long list of GSW’s accolades that everyone should be proud of: talented students, faculty, staff, and alumni; stellar academic programs and impressive student engagement efforts; a beautiful campus with historic buildings and state-of-the art facilities; strong community partnerships; and a winning athletic program on and off the field.

Johnston said, “I'm listening, and I'm learning. Together, we have a very important responsibility to take care of this institution, to make a difference in students’ lives, and to have an impact in this region and beyond. We have to constantly raise the bar.”

 A Passion for People

Johnston emphasizes the importance of relationships and finding a strong sense of purpose on campus. "Throughout my years in higher education, people and relationships have always been the number one focus. I have a ‘people first, mission always’ commitment. I’ve found that there are so many likeminded people here.”

Johnston has been focused on meeting the people who care so passionately about GSW. “I want to know their connections to GSW and what continues to draw them here or to keep them engaged – whether that’s a student, employee, alum, donor or community member.”

A Focus on Student Success

Johnston’s focus on student success is evident. “I like to carry a diploma cover around with me on campus,” she explains. “It serves as a reminder that this is what we’re here for – to see students succeed and walk across that graduation stage.”

Johnston also carries a mantra with her everywhere she goes.  She believes we accomplish our mission through an “every student, every time” approach. Her success with this mentality is evidenced through a proven track record of fostering and growing student enrollment and achievement.

“I've learned quickly that excellence is very important here. We are challenging our students and ourselves to continuously improve and to set high expectations."

A Commitment to Collaboration

Johnston has a history of expanding community partnerships at previous institutions, and she looks forward to doing that at GSW as well. Over the course of the summer, Johnston has met with community leaders, government officials and GSW’s biggest supporters – alumni, donors, faculty and staff, and even student leaders. She has participated in key community events, learning what Americus has a passion for.

Johnston reaffirmed GSW’s commitment to collaboration, expressing her readiness to partner with the community, local businesses, nonprofits and government bodies to continue driving positive change both on campus and in the community. By fostering these connections and enhancing partnerships, Johnston is dedicated to elevating GSW’s mission and broadening the institution's impact.

Embracing the Hurricane Spirit

Johnston isn't just settling into the academic side of GSW life; she's also eager to embrace the electric atmosphere of GSW Athletics. A lifelong sports fan, her passion was ignited by her father, who would take her to college games as a young girl. “Those memories hold a special place in my heart.” And now she's ready to channel that same enthusiasm into supporting GSW's very own Hurricanes. Expect to see Johnston at the games, proudly sporting blue and gold.

Johnston's dedication to student success, along with her collaborative spirit for community partnerships, position Georgia Southwestern for a bright future. Under her leadership, the University is poised to continue its upward trajectory to make an even greater impact on the lives of its students and this region.