University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue today named Dr. Johnny L. Evans Jr. interim president of the College of Coastal Georgia, effective June 1, 2024.

Evans replaces President Michelle R. Johnston, who has been named president of Georgia Southwestern State University. He has served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Coastal Georgia since January 2019.

“Dr. Evans over the past five years has helped President Johnston strengthen Coastal Georgia’s academic programs and played a key role in providing the life-changing educational experiences that the college is known for,” Perdue said. “I appreciate him stepping into the interim president role as we consider our next steps and look forward to the college’s continued success.”

Known for his dedication to fostering strong academic programs that deliver transformative educational experiences, Evans prioritizes student success, inspired by his own experience as a student at Georgia College & State University. He attributes much of his academic success to the care and mentoring provided by his faculty advisors.

Before joining Coastal Georgia in January 2019, Evans held leadership positions as the dean of math and science and subsequently as the dean of arts and sciences at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, starting in 2013. He spent the first 13 years of his academic career at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., where he was a professor of chemistry and physics and coordinator of the chemistry program.

“Coastal Georgia’s faculty and staff care deeply about the college and in making sure students not only get their degrees, but love what they learned in the process,” Evans said. “I’m honored to continue that journey with them in this interim role as we keep making positive connections between students and the workforce.”

Evans holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia College and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Florida. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Savannah River National Laboratory.

He is also an avid artist and metal sculptor. His artwork — crafted from steel, brass and copper — reflects his passion for capturing the beauty of nature through sculpture.