Nashville, Tenn.-Tennessee State University interim President Ronald Johnson resigned Wednesday as tensions over the school’s finances remain high. 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.
A spokesperson for TSU did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Financial turmoil at Tennessee State University
In September, Johnson’s leadership team revealed years of financial mismanagement at the hands of previous leaders. The school then instituted layoffs, budget cuts and a freeze on hiring and nonessential spending. As of October, the university had laid off more than 100 employees.
Earlier this month, Johnson’s team presented a plan to avoid a $46.1 million shortfall to the board. While the plan only gets the university through the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, Johnson assured concerned board members that his team is working on plans for what comes next. The discussion grew tense at times between board members and Johnson’s team.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean. Read the full story: Tennessee State University interim President Ronald Johnson resigns abruptly
