Atlanta — June 11, 2025

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson president of the University of West Georgia (UWG), effective Aug. 1, 2025.

As the ninth president of UWG, Dr. Johnson will draw on more than 30 years of strategic leadership experience in higher education and the military. He is currently the chief of staff for the University of Houston (UH) and the University of Houston System, serving as the principal adviser to the UH president and system chancellor. Prior to this role, Dr. Johnson held administrative and leadership positions at Purdue University, George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College and in the United States Marine Corps.

“The Board’s vote today marks an exciting new chapter for the University of West Georgia,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “We’re confident Dr. Johnson will build on UWG’s strong foundation and momentum as a student-centered institution driving regional growth. I also want to thank Dr. Ashwani Monga for his steady leadership as interim president — his dedication to UWG has positioned the university for continued success, and we look forward to his continued service with USG.”

Dr. Johnson’s appointment to the presidency follows a rigorous seven-month national search in which he was named the sole finalist. UWG has been led by Monga since the departure of President Brendan B. Kelly in August 2024, after Kelly accepted the role as president of the Arkansas State University System. Upon Dr. Johnson’s arrival, Monga will return to his permanent role as USG’s executive vice chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.

“It’s a true honor to be named president of the University of West Georgia, and I’m grateful to Chancellor Perdue and the Board of Regents for their trust in me,” Dr. Johnson said. “UWG has a powerful mission as well as a dedicated community of students, faculty, staff and alumni. It plays a significant role in preparing students for success and fueling economic growth in the region, and I can’t wait to build on the incredible work already underway to shape the future of the best comprehensive university in Georgia.”

About Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson

Dr. Johnson will join USG after 10 years at UH in Houston, Texas. Over the course of his tenure, he played a key role in advancing the university’s “no excuse” plan for student success, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving student outcomes. The plan contributed to a 12-percentage point increase in UH’s six-year graduation rate, bringing the rate up to 65%. He also worked to expand off-campus instructional sites, which were strategically aligned with regional workforce needs. Skilled in partnership-building, Dr. Johnson worked closely with the UH System, state legislators, faculty and community stakeholders to help secure over $20 million in support for the establishment of the UH College of Medicine. 

Dr. Johnson previously served as the director of development for the military programs at Purdue University, where he helped secure over $40 million in gifts to support student success. Prior to that, he served as the director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services at the Northern Virginia Community College. Dr. Johnson has also been the director of the Office of Military Services at George Mason University.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Houston. He also holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from The Citadel. 

Dr. Johnson has earned professional certifications from the Institute for Leadership and Governance in Higher Education at the Association of Governing Boards, the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University and the Millennium Leadership Initiative at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. 

In 2021, he was awarded the McInnes/Ryan Award for Mid-Career Higher Education Leadership by the American Association of University Administrators. From 2023-24, he was the chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, where he had served since 2018.

About the University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia is one of four comprehensive universities within USG. Founded in 1906, the university is home to 14,400 students from 42 states and 54 countries. UWG boasts more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and offers classes in Douglasville and Newnan as well as on the main campus in Carrollton.

UWG is the system’s fastest-growing comprehensive institution and responsible for an over $614 million annual economic impact in its community. In 2024, the university enrolled a record number of students and conferred more than 3,400 degrees. In 2025, UWG was honored as a Best Regional College by the Princeton Review and ranked No. 3 in Georgia in social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Many of its programs, including the WebMBA and online graduate programs in computer information technology, nursing and education also all received recognition.

In addition to its educational and economic impact, UWG is known for its vibrant campus life. In 2024, UWG was named the Institute for Well-being’s Campus of the Year for its comprehensive wellness program, which includes mental health support, food insecurity programs and a mobile wellness unit for students and the community. With over 150 student organizations and 15 NCAA Division I sports and intercollegiate athletics teams, the institution is a cultural hub for the west Georgia region.

« News Releases