a record year and new beginnings
UWG’s Fall Commencement Celebrates Growth, Grit and Graduation Share this page
Beneath a sea of caps and gowns, nearly 1,600 students crossed the University of West Georgia’s Commencement stage this Friday and Saturday, marking not only the end of their academic journeys but milestones for the university itself.
Fall Commencement capped a semester that included record enrollment, welcomed a new president and celebrated the largest number of December graduates in the school’s history.
Cheers echoed across campus were joined by a new voice in university leadership. Dr. Michael Johnson, UWG’s ninth president, delivered his first commencement address since assuming the role in August.
“Today, you stand at the threshold of new opportunities, having earned your degree through dedication, hard work and resilience,” Johnson told the graduates. “The degree you are receiving is more than a piece of paper. It’s evidence of your intellect and expertise. It’s proof of your drive and determination.”
Of the 1,582 graduates, 566 were at the undergraduate level while a robust 1,016 celebrants received advanced degrees.
Ceremonies began on Friday, Dec. 12, with students in Richards College of Business; Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences; and University College opening the celebrations at 9 a.m. The 2 p.m. ceremony featured all students in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Tanner Health School of Nursing; and School of Communication, Film and Media.
Saturday, Dec. 13, was reserved for the College of Education. The morning ceremony featured students earning a master’s or specialist degree, while the afternoon event showcased undergraduates, doctoral recipients and all professionals participating in the Georgia’s BEST program, a groundbreaking partnership initially formed with the Cobb County School District that has now expanded to include Coweta and Gwinnett Counties.
Another newcomer to the stage – but not the university – was Ashley Knight Bush ’11, chair of the UWG Alumni Association board of directors, who welcomed the newest members of Forever West into a lifelong pack of more than 87,000 Wolves strong.
“Anticipate what’s ahead, elevate yourself and those around you, and never forget to celebrate every step of the way,” she advised. “This moment marks not an ending but a very exciting beginning. You are not leaving your UWG family behind. You are joining thousands of alumni who believe in you and will cheer for you and walk beside you. The world you’re stepping into is dynamic and demanding, but also full of opportunity.”
Also delivering his first Commencement remarks was economics major and Student Government Association President Zachary Potter, who congratulated graduates on all the multitasking they’ve accomplished.
“That’s college, isn’t it?” he acknowledged. “Juggling clubs and part-time jobs, choosing the best classes, late nights in the library finishing that essay or studying for that exam, and, of course, stretching a dollar into $20. Your studies have taught you much about your field of choice, but don’t forget about the important life skills you’ve learned here at UWG. Those are just as important as what you learned in class.”
Johnson reinforced the message that while the milestone celebrated personal achievements, it also represented impact. He explained how a degree from UWG adds at the very least an estimated $1.4 million to lifelong earnings – a “generational shift that will echo through families and communities for decades.”
“That’s the power of social mobility,” he continued. “And it’s why UWG continues to be ranked No. 1 among regional universities in Georgia for helping students from modest beginnings achieve extraordinary outcomes. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know what this moment means. Forty-six percent of our students are first in their families to attend college. Today, the success gap between first-generation and non-first-generation students is the smallest in our history. That’s not just progress; that’s purpose.”
photography by Miranda Daniel and Lauren O'Bryan
