The Tennessee State University Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Ronald Johnson as the Interim President, per a statement by the institution obtained by HBCU Pulse. Johnson will begin his tenure on July 1, 2024. Dr. Johnson brings nearly two decades of distinguished experience in higher education, particularly within the HBCU community.

Previously, Dr. Johnson served as President of Clark Atlanta University from 2015 to 2018, where he led significant transformation and turnaround initiatives. More recently, he was Interim President at Kentucky State University, where he managed the day-to-day operations and addressed financial challenges.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ronald Johnson and have him join the TSU family,” said Board Chair Dakasha Winton. “Dr. Johnson’s distinguished higher education career, along with his accomplishments as an exceptional administrator, makes him the right fit for TSU at this time.”

Dr. Johnson’s career is marked by his dedication to student success and the financial health and sustainability of academic institutions. His leadership is characterized by a culture of accountability, shared governance, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

Dr. Johnson is not only recognized for his leadership roles in various HBCUs but also for his national influence. He served on the President’s Advisory Board of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and chaired the Consumer Advisory Board of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Additionally, he is a co-founder and Advisory Board Member of the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) at CAU and a recipient of the inaugural Frederick S. Humphries Leadership Award.

“Fellow trustees and I look forward to collaborating with Dr. Johnson,” added Winton. “His proven leadership in strategically addressing complex issues, while developing innovative paths forward will further lead the University during this transition. I know working with our students, staff, alumni, and fellow board members, this next chapter will cement TSU’s legacy of excellence.”

Retiring President Glenda Glover expressed confidence in Dr. Johnson’s capabilities to continue TSU’s legacy of excellence. “Dr. Johnson is an excellent leader and did an incredible job at Clark Atlanta. I am especially proud because I had the pleasure of attending Clark Atlanta for business school. 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.”

Dr. Johnson has been a faculty member at Texas Southern University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Northeastern University. He holds a PhD and MA in economics from Stanford University, an MBA in finance, and a BA in economics from Adelphi University.

Dr. Johnson will serve as Interim President for one year while the Board of Trustees conducts a national search for a permanent President.