First Lady

About First Lady Beth Johnson

First Lady, Beth Johnson, wearing a blue and white dress smiling for an outdoor photo on campus.

Beth Johnson, First Lady of the University of West Georgia, brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement to her role. A passionate advocate for the value of public higher education, she has served at institutions including the University of Houston, Purdue University, and George Mason University. Her professional journey also includes impactful work with veteran and military communities through roles at the Military Family Research Institute and the United States Marine Corps Marathon.

Beth holds a BA in Communication from Auburn University and an MA in Strategic Communication from George Mason University, as well as executive training from Harvard's Graduate School of Education. Throughout her career, she has focused on building meaningful connections between people, ideas, and institutions to drive lasting, positive change in the communities she serves. She has held executive leadership positions in a range of civic and professional organizations, including chambers of commerce, hospital development boards, and education foundations. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Beth remains actively involved in her children's schools and extracurricular activities.

As UWG's First Lady, Beth looks forward to championing opportunities that elevate student success, celebrate community, and support the university's mission to serve the region. She and President Michael Johnson are proud parents of two daughters, as well as a black Labrador Retriever named Gunner, and are excited to call West Georgia home.