Tennessee State University interim President Ronald Johnson announced his resignation Wednesday as tensions over the school’s finances remain high, saying the decision takes effect Friday. The development is the latest in a rapid-fire series of leadership changes at the public, historically Black university in Nashville.
Johnson took office on July 1 after the TSU board of trustees appointed him to a one-year term. His appointment came after years of scrutiny over the school’s finances and leadership by state leaders. Lawmakers ultimately ousted the previous board in March. Gov. Bill Lee swiftly appointed a new board, which took its seats in April. Longtime President Glenda Glover then retired in June — a move she said lawmakers also encouraged.
“As the appointed Board of Trustees for Tennessee State University, our job is to ensure the future strength of the school through thoughtful and decisive governance,” TSU Board Chair Dakasha Winton said in a statement released Wednesday. “In service of this commitment, and as board chair, I spoke with interim president Dr. Johnson on Tuesday about separating from the university. He has chosen to resign and tendered his resignation this afternoon.”
The board will have a special called meeting on Friday at 8 a.m. to discuss appointing a new interim president, according to Winton.
Ronald Johnson started his one-year term as interim president at Tennessee State University on July 1, 2024. He was photographed Friday, Aug. 30, 2024.
A spokesperson for TSU did not reply to an emailed request for comment from The Tennessean. (READ MORE)
