UWG to Celebrate Investiture of President Michael Johnson During Homecoming Week Share this page
The University of West Georgia will celebrate the investiture of President Michael Johnson, the university’s ninth president, during a week of academic, service and community events that will coincide with Homecoming 2026.
Scheduled for Oct. 19-23, Investiture Week will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, elected officials and guests from across Georgia to honor UWG’s history, celebrate its momentum and look ahead to the institution’s future.
Rooted in centuries of academic tradition, an investiture formally marks the beginning of a president’s leadership and symbolizes the responsibility and authority entrusted to the office. The ceremony serves as an opportunity to reflect on an institution’s past while articulating a vision for its future.
At UWG, the investiture of Johnson will be the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration highlighting the university’s commitment to student success, scholarship, service and community engagement. Opportunities to support Investiture Week are available online.
“An investiture is a significant moment in the life of a university – one that honors our history while affirming our shared vision for the future,” said Allyson Bretch ’14, CEO of the university’s philanthropic foundations and vice president for university advancement. “This celebration brings the UWG community together around President Johnson’s leadership and the tremendous momentum of our university. We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends as we celebrate this important chapter and all that lies ahead for UWG.”
Johnson began his tenure as president on Aug. 1, 2025, bringing with him a strong commitment to collaboration, shared governance and student success. A first-generation college graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has advanced a vision for the university centered on expanding opportunity, driving innovation, strengthening community partnerships, elevating athletics and advancing the arts.
“This week will be an opportunity to celebrate the students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners who make UWG such a special place while also embracing the opportunities ahead of us,” said Johnson. “I am honored to serve this institution and look forward to celebrating alongside the entire UWG community.”
While additional details will be announced in the coming weeks, events currently planned for Investiture Week include:
Monday, October 19
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Historical Exhibition Kickoff (exhibition remains on display throughout the week)
Tuesday, October 20
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Academic Expo
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Investiture Speaker Series
Wednesday, October 21
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Community Service Day
Friday, October 23
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Presidential Investiture Ceremony
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Downtown Carrollton Block Party
The Presidential Investiture Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in The Coliseum, where Johnson will formally receive the symbols of office and share his vision for the future of UWG. The Presidential Investiture is open to the public.
Additional information, including event details, participation opportunities and visitor information, is available online. To support the investiture of President Johnson, visit this UWG Giving page.