Celebrating a year of achievements and looking forward to a bright future

Dr. Michelle Johnston, GSW President michelle.johnston@gsw.edu

As I reflect on my first year as president of Georgia Southwestern State University, I am filled with so much excitement and gratitude. Since coming on board in June 2024, I have witnessed impressive accomplishments and an outpouring of support from students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends of the University, and community partners. Together, we are enhancing the educational experience and fostering a community of excellence at GSW.

Celebrating Our Achievements

Our academic programs continue to receive accolades, and our student development programs are getting a lot of attention. Our faculty and staff bring high levels of expertise, care deeply, and go the extra mile – day in and day out. Whether displaying their talents and abilities in the art studio or on the concert stage; on the field, court, or course; in a research presentation or the debate floor; as leaders of organizations or initiatives; or as service project volunteers or student employees, GSW’s students shine!

A Symbol of Our Mission

In today’s rapidly changing world, the value of a college degree cannot be overstated. It is much more than a piece of paper. It opens doors to opportunities, provides a foundation for lifelong learning, and equips you with knowledge and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex society. We know that those with GSW bachelor’s degrees will earn at least $1.4M more over the course of their careers than if they did not have the degree. But we know that the monetary impact is only a part of the difference. Education – in formal settings and as a lifelong endeavor – leads to more engaged citizenship and better prepares us to impact others.

One of the initiatives I introduced this year was asking every faculty and staff member to display a GSW diploma cover in a prominent place in their office. This simple yet powerful gesture serves as a constant reminder of our shared mission: to help our students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Wherever you see one of our diploma covers displayed, you know someone is there to help, with your best interest in mind.

Encouragement for the Future

The time you spend at GSW is a unique and transformative period in your life. I hope you will embrace the opportunities, take on challenges, and never stop learning. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors, and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed.

As we look ahead, I am excited about the future. We are in the process of building GSW's next Strategic Plan and will begin developing a new 10-year Facilities Master Plan next year. Building on our 119-year history, a new era of success and excellence is in front of us.

You may remember the theme for my investiture in April -- Rising Together, Shaping Futures. 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.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome and support I received as a newcomer to GSW. YOU inspire me. YOU energize me. YOU motivate me to get better in every way I can every single day. Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful summer!