Michelle Johnston to be inaugurated as first female Georgia Southwestern president in investiture ceremony

Special to The Albany Herald/GSW

AMERICUS — Georgia Southwestern State University will formally inaugurate Michelle R. Johnston as its 12th – and first female — president during a special Investiture Ceremony on March 28 at 10 a.m. in GSW’s Convocation Hall in the Student Success Center. The public is invited to attend the historic occasion.

“What an incredible honor it has been to serve as GSW’s president over the last nine months,” Johnston said. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university – each of whom plays a vital role in making GSW such a special place. The future of our university, our community in Americus, and the broader region we serve is incredibly bright.

“The investiture ceremony and related events throughout the week give us an opportunity to celebrate our past, present and future and to deepen the dedication to our mission.”

The event theme, “Rising Together, Shaping Futures,” reflects a shared commitment to growth, unity and the future of GSW. More than a ceremony, this investiture is a celebration of the lasting legacy being built for generations of students to come – one that is strengthened by the presence and support of the GSW community, school officials said in a news release.

Leading up to the ceremony, a weeklong series of events, free and open to the public, will offer the campus and local community multiple opportunities to participate.

March 24

· Women in Leadership | 2 p.m. | Nursing Auditorium: In celebration of Women’s History Month, Johnston will be joined by other influential female campus leaders — interim Provost Rachel Abbott, interim Vice President for Student Engagement and Success Gaye Hayes, director of Residential and Campus Life Christa Faison, and SGA President Trinity Daniels-McNear – for an inspiring discussion on leadership and building a culture of success.

· Griffin Bell Lecture Series | 5 p.m. | Jackson Hall: Experience an insightful discussion with Larry D. Thompson, counsel at Finch McCranie LLP, and a former U.S. Deputy Attorney General. With a distinguished career in law and government, Thompson will share perspectives on leadership, justice and public service. Made possible through a gift from the late GSW alumnus and former U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell, the lecture series brings notable individuals and outstanding alumni to campus to share their experiences. All area businesses and community leaders are encouraged to attend.

March 26

· Piano Recital | 3:30 p.m. | Jackson Hall: Enjoy piano performances from talented faculty, students, alumni and a special performance by Johnston.

March 27

· Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center Ribbon Cutting | 4 p.m.: The community is invited to take part in the highly anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony of the Griffin Bell Golf & Conference Center — a milestone years in the making. Participants can be among the first to step inside for an exclusive sneak peek and explore the stunning new facility. Following the ceremony, a special reception will be held to commemorate this significant milestone for Americus.

· Chamber Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Calvary Episcopal Church: Don’t miss the final performance of the 2024-25 Chamber Concert Series featuring renowned organist Brink Bush for an evening of masterful music in a beautiful, historic setting. No tickets required. A reception will follow in Parrish Hall.

March 28

· Investiture Ceremony | 10 a.m. | Convocation Hall, Student Success Center: Witness history in the making at the Investiture Ceremony of Johnston. This formal occasion honors her leadership and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the new president and the university. The ceremony reflects the university’s shared commitment to excellence, progress, and the future. Immediately following, continue the celebration with a special reception on The Commons.

These events, along with several athletic matchups – including GSW baseball and softball Alumni Weekend – will cap off the weeklong celebration.

The ceremony will be streamed live on GSW’s YouTube channel, ensuring everyone can take part in this momentous occasion. For more details, including the full schedule of investiture events, visit gsw.edu/Investiture. While an RSVP is encouraged to help with planning, it is not required.