UWG Hosts President Johnson’s Inaugural State of the University Address Share this page
The University of West Georgia welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders to The Coliseum on Thursday for President Dr. Michael Johnson’s inaugural State of the University address.
Johnson, who began his presidency Aug. 1, used the occasion to reflect on UWG’s recent achievements and outline his vision for the institution’s future. In his address, Johnson celebrated UWG’s record-breaking enrollment of more than 16,072 students and highlighted the university’s rise in national rankings, among other accolades.
“Last year, UWG awarded nearly 4,500 degrees – a 31 percent increase in one year – placing us sixth among University System of Georgia institutions,” Johnson said. “Every diploma we award represents a generational shift – not just for the graduate, but for their families and the communities in which they live.”
He emphasized student success as his top priority, noting that UWG’s six-year graduation rate stands at 43.7 percent.
“At the University of West Georgia, we often talk about transformation – about how a single moment, a single opportunity, can change the trajectory of a life,” he said. “That’s what we mean when we talk about student success. Every decision, every initiative, every dollar must answer one question: does this help our students succeed?”
The event featured two performances by the UWG Chamber Singers, as well as introductory remarks from Dr. Dylan McLean, chair of the Faculty Senate.
“It’s my privilege today to introduce someone who, before he even officially stepped into the role of president on August 1, brought a spirit of collaboration and articulated a clear vision for student success,” McLean said. “He has consistently demonstrated the value he places on shared governance by engaging with, and listening to, the people who directly execute the mission of the university every day.”
During his remarks, Johnson spotlighted UWG’s growing research enterprise, including faculty-led projects funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.
“We will grow our research enterprise – not as a luxury, but as a responsibility,” he said. “Because Georgia doesn’t just need graduates; it needs problem solvers, innovators, and builders.”
Other key themes included the university’s transition to NCAA Division I athletics, UWG’s economic impact of more than $654 million annually, and a renewed commitment to the arts.
“As we look toward our 125th anniversary in 2031, we are laying the building blocks for a new strategic plan – one that reflects our shared values and ambitions,” he continued. “But this isn’t just a plan. It’s a promise to be strong and true to who we are at the University of West Georgia.”
The full address was live-streamed and recorded for viewing. To watch the event in its entirety, visit UWG’s YouTube channel.
photography by Hailey Wilkinson