It’s been just three months since Dr. Michael Johnson officially stepped into his role as President of the University of West Georgia, and his first 90 days have already set a tone of active listening, transparency, and forward-thinking leadership. From meeting with faculty and staff to holding open discussions with students, Dr. Johnson’s approach so far has centered on understanding the community he now leads, and shaping a vision for UWG’s next chapter together.
As a graduate student, I recently had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with President Johnson. The event gathered students from across disciplines to share candid insights about the graduate experience, both the strengths of our programs and the challenges we continue to face. What stood out most to me, and to many others in the room, was how genuinely Dr. Johnson engaged with our concerns. He didn’t just listen, he asked questions, took notes, and emphasized his commitment to collaborative solutions.
A President Grounded in Connection
In his short time on campus, President Johnson has made relationship building a central focus. Whether walking across campus, greeting students at events, or meeting with community partners, his leadership style has been marked by visibility and approachability. It’s not uncommon to see him stop to chat with students, ask how their semester is going, or check in on campus life beyond the boardroom.
That accessibility is especially meaningful for graduate students, many of whom balance work, family, and education, often at a distance or through online coursework. When leaders make the effort to reach out and listen, it sends a clear message: our experiences matter, and our voices are essential to shaping the university’s direction.
Hearing the Graduate Voice
At the recent graduate student roundtable, students expressed a range of concerns that reflected both practical needs and ideas with moving forward.. Among the topics discussed were the ongoing impacts of funding adjustments, mentorship opportunities, and how UWG can stay ahead in emerging areas such as ethical AI education.
As one student summarized, “We’re not just asking for support, we’re asking to be part of the process of building solutions.”
Students expressed concerns about:
- Continued (and scheduled increase in) cutting of essential student resources — including library funding, housing, and SNAP food benefits, which directly impact graduate students’ academic and personal well-being.
- Needed mentorship for professional growth — particularly the need for structured programs that connect graduate students with faculty and alumni mentors who can guide their research, career planning, and networking.
- Concerns regarding the review and clarity of ethical guidelines and training resources for the responsible use of AI and AGI technologies — as new technologies become part of academic work, students are calling for clearer standards and educational tools to ensure responsible innovation.
- The need for increased accessibility of online graduate education and learning — with many students managing careers and family responsibilities, flexible and well-supported online options remain essential.
- Needed support for non-traditional students — including those returning to school later in life, international students, and those navigating unique financial and logistical challenges.
Each of these points sparked thoughtful discussion. Dr. Johnson responded with attentiveness and a willingness to engage with both the immediate and long-term aspects of these issues. He spoke about the university’s ongoing strategic efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining high-quality resources and student support systems. Importantly, he acknowledged the emotional and academic weight these challenges carry for students and assured us that graduate perspectives would remain part of administrative decision-making conversations moving forward.
A Vision That Balances Tradition and Transformation
Dr. Johnson’s first months in office have coincided with a pivotal time for higher education nationwide. Universities across the country are reevaluating how they deliver education, support students, and plan for sustainability in an evolving academic landscape. At UWG, this moment feels particularly significant, a time to build upon the institution’s proud traditions while embracing new opportunities for innovation and inclusion.
In several public statements, President Johnson has emphasized his commitment to three guiding principles: connection, collaboration, and community. These values were clear in his words during the roundtable. “UWG’s strength comes from its people, our students, faculty, and staff,” he said. “Listening to your experiences and learning from you helps us make better decisions for the future.”
That people first philosophy is one reason his leadership is being met with optimism. Rather than introducing sweeping changes in his first few months, Dr. Johnson has prioritized understanding UWG’s culture, needs, and potential. His listening tours, town halls, and open dialogues signal an approach that values shared governance and thoughtful, incremental progress.
Graduate Students at the Heart of the Conversation
For graduate students, the roundtable felt like more than a discussion, it felt like an invitation. Too often, graduate education can feel like an isolated corner of the university experience, separate from broader campus life. By sitting down with graduate students early in his tenure, Dr. Johnson made it clear that this segment of UWG’s population is not an afterthought but a vital part of the university’s identity and growth.
One of the most meaningful takeaways from the event was the sense that our perspectives were not only heard but valued. When students raised concerns about mentorship and professional development, Dr. Johnson expressed interest in exploring structured pathways to connect graduate students with mentors both within and beyond UWG. When accessibility and online learning were discussed, he noted the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and faculty training to ensure that online education remains as rigorous and engaging as in-person learning.
Looking Ahead
Ninety days is not a long time in the lifespan of a presidency, but it’s often enough to set a tone. And the tone President Johnson has set at UWG is one of openness, empathy, and collaborative progress. His willingness to listen, especially to student voices, has already begun to build trust and momentum for the future.
As UWG continues to navigate challenges like funding constraints and changing educational needs, it’s reassuring to know that our leadership is willing to engage in difficult conversations with humility and respect. For graduate students, that means not only being part of the dialogue but being part of the solution.
Walking out of the roundtable, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Leadership, after all, isn’t just about making decisions, it’s about making connections. And in his first 90 days, President Michael Johnson has shown that he’s ready to do just that: listen, learn, and lead UWG toward a future where every voice matters.
