Alabama college founded for women names first female president in its 130-year history
Dr. Michelle Johnston will be the University of Montevallo’s 16th president.
Ethan Parker 
The University of Montevallo has named a woman as president -- a first in the history of the college founded in 1896.
“Dr. Michelle R. Johnston has been selected as the next president of the University of Montevallo after being approved by the UM Board of Trustees during a specially called meeting May 22,” the university said.
“Johnston will be the first female president in the institution’s history.”
Johnston will be the school’s 16th president.
Montevallo was founded as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School. Renamed Alabama College in 1923, it enrolled only female students until 1959.
The school became the University of Montevallo in 1969.
Johnston’s selection ends a year long process to replace the university’s previous president, John W. Stewart III, who stepped down after 15 years last July.
Dr. Terry Roberson served as the interim president prior to Friday’s announcement.
According to a press release, Johnston has over 30-years of experience working in higher education most recently serving as President of Georgia Southwestern University since 2024.
She also held various senior leadership roles at the University of Montevallo from 2007 to 2014 including senior vice president for administrative affairs.
“Her top priorities have been enhancing student success, ensuring excellence in all academic and student development programs and expanding strategic partnerships and donor engagement,” the university said.
