Atlanta — May 28, 2025

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted today to name Dr. Christopher “Mike” Johnson as the sole finalist for president of the University of West Georgia (UWG).

Dr. Johnson currently serves as the chief of staff at the University of Houston (UH) and the University of Houston System where he provides strategic leadership and serves as the principal adviser to both the UH president and system chancellor. Prior to this position, Dr. Johnson served as the director of development for the military programs at Purdue University, and he has over 30 years of leadership experience in public service in both higher education and in the military.

“In this search, we wanted a leader with the energy and experience to build on the University of West Georgia’s momentum as a regional powerhouse committed to being a student-oriented, success-driven university,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “UWG plays a vital role in the education, economy and overall success of the west Georgia region. With Dr. Johnson, we have a top candidate who brings proven leadership, fundraising expertise and a clear understanding of the importance of preparing UWG graduates for the 21st-century workforce.”

Dr. Johnson has held his position at UH and the system since 2015. In this decade of service, his accomplishments include collaborating with the state legislature and key stakeholders to help secure over $20 million in support for the establishment of the UH College of Medicine, as well as playing a pivotal role in advancing UH’s “no excuse” plan for student success, a comprehensive initiative focused on improving graduation rates and student outcomes—which contributed to increasing the six-year graduation rate to 65%. He also leads the committee that cultivates and manages strategic corporate partnerships. During his time at Purdue, Dr. Johnson secured over $40 million in gifts to directly support student success through scholarships and educational programs.

“I’m honored to be named the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of West Georgia and can’t wait to Go West,” Dr. Johnson said. “UWG stands at an exciting crossroads, poised for institutional growth, enhanced reputation and student success. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with students, faculty and staff to drive transformative progress.”

Before his position at Purdue, Dr. Johnson served as the director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services at the Northern Virginia Community College from 2010 to 2014. Previously, he was the director of the Office of Military Services at George Mason University. From 1991 until 2008, Dr. Johnson worked for the United States Marine Corps, where his roles included chief of staff, executive officer, operations officer and special assistant to the Commanding General. 

“The University of West Georgia contributes more than $614 million annually to our regional economy, and we needed a leader who understands how to build on that impact through student success and workforce relevance,” said Regent Mat Swift, chairman of the presidential search committee. “Dr. Johnson brings a strong track record in higher education leadership and a clear vision for developing the talent Georgia’s industries depend on. I’m confident this finalist is well-positioned to lead UWG into its next chapter.”

Dr. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The Citadel, a master’s degree in higher education from George Mason University and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership and policy from UH’s College of Education. 

Beyond his degrees, Dr. Johnson has pursued professional development at 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.

UWG is currently led by interim President Ashwani Monga, whose permanent role is as USG’s executive vice chancellor and Chief Academic Officer. Monga has served as interim president since the departure of President Brendan B. Kelly in August 2024, after Kelly accepted the role as president of the Arkansas State University System. 

The Board will take action on the position at a future board meeting no sooner than five days from naming a finalist.

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