Ronald Johnson
The Tennessee State University Board of Trustees has announced Ronald Johnson as interim president of the university, effective July 1.
According to a release, Johnson will serve in the role for one year while the board conducts a national search for a permanent leader to replace the departing Dr. Glenda Glover.
Previously, Johnson was interim president at Kentucky State University, where he managed operations and addressed financial challenges at the institution. He was also president of Clark Atlanta University from 2015 until 2018, where he led turnaround plans.
Glover's announcement follows a critical report regarding financial issues at the school
Johnson is also a former member of the President's Advisory Board of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Previously, he served as the chairman of the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau of the United States. He co-founded and is now an advisory board member of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute.
TSU board chair Dakasha Winton says in the release that Johnson is "the right fit" for this time at the university.
“His proven leadership in strategically addressing complex issues while developing innovative paths forward will further lead the University during this transition," Winton said.
Move comes as comptroller's office issues audit reports including findings from 2019
TSU's current board was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee in March, when state legislators passed a bill vacating the board seats. The previous board was in the midst of a presidential search, having named three finalists in March just before the turnover. The new board announced it would start over and appoint an interim leader during its search.
Glover, who attended Clark Atlanta for business school, says in the release that Johnson "did an incredible job" there and will be an "excellent leader."
"I will provide Dr. Johnson with any necessary support as he takes the helm of our great institution to continue the legacy of excellence that is the hallmark of Tennessee State University," Glover says.
This article was first published via our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
