Exciting News: Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson Appointed President of the University of West Georgia!

Atlanta — June 11, 2025

The University System of Georgia (USG) has appointed Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson as the new president of the University of West Georgia (UWG), starting August 1, 2025. He will be the ninth president in the university’s history.

Dr. Johnson brings over 30 years of leadership experience from both higher education and the military. Currently, he is the chief of staff at the University of Houston, where he advises the president and the system chancellor. Before that, he held key positions at schools like Purdue University and George Mason University. His military background includes service in the United States Marine Corps.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue expressed excitement about Dr. Johnson’s appointment, stating it marks a new chapter for UWG. Dr. Ashwani Monga, who has been serving as interim president since August 2024, will return to his role as USG’s executive vice chancellor and Chief Academic Officer upon Dr. Johnson’s arrival.

Dr. Johnson highlighted his eagerness to contribute to UWG’s mission and its significant role in the region’s economic development. He aims to build upon the existing efforts to enhance student success and community impact.

About Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson

Dr. Johnson will join UWG after a decade at the University of Houston, where he helped implement a “no excuse” plan that boosted the school’s six-year graduation rate by 12 percentage points to 65%. His focus on aligning educational offerings with local job market needs led to the establishment of new instructional sites. He has also successfully garnered millions in funding for various projects and initiatives during his career.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Houston, alongside other advanced degrees. His contributions to the field have been recognized with several awards, including the McInnes/Ryan Award for mid-career leadership in higher education.

About the University of West Georgia

Founded in 1906, UWG serves approximately 14,400 students from diverse backgrounds. The university offers over 100 programs and has campuses in Douglasville and Newnan, in addition to its main Carrollton location. UWG has experienced considerable growth, contributing over $614 million annually to its local economy.

UWG was recognized as a Best Regional College by Princeton Review and ranked third in Georgia for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. The university’s robust wellness program earned it the title of Campus of the Year in 2024. With a lively campus life and numerous student organizations, UWG serves as a cultural hub for the west Georgia region.

As Dr. Johnson takes on this new role, he inherits a university poised for continued success and community engagement.

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