NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee State University's (TSU's) interim president has resigned amid the institution's ongoing financial challenges.
Interim president Ronald Johnson will no longer serve as the university's interim president, according to an announcement Wednesday. Johnson said that the decision was "not made lightly," but that it "has become apparent that there is a fundamental difference of perspective with the Board."
"I came to Tennessee State University because I believe that TSU matters," Johnson said in a letter sent to students Wednesday. "It is not just an institution of higher learning; it is a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and equity."
In September, TSU announced the creation of a financial action plan to address "severe structural deficits." Part of that plan included a hiring freeze; the institution ultimately let go more than 110 employees amid the financial strife. Additionally, financial setbacks prevented the university's Grammy-winning marching band from traveling to multiple away games.
"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," a statement from Dakasha Winton, Board Chair of the TSU Board of Trustees reads. "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 looks forward to our meeting on Friday at 8 a.m. to discuss the appointment of an interim president."
At a November finance committee meeting, Johnson told TSU's Board of Trustees that he and interim Executive President Daarel Burnette met with the Saudi consulate to have conversations about collecting more than $7 million from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM).
"To the TSU community — students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters — thank you for your resilience, your dedication, and your passion. Your unwavering commitment to this university is what makes TSU truly extraordinary," Johnson said in the letter. "As I step away from this role, I remain hopeful and confident that TSU can overcome its challenges. The road ahead will be difficult, but with the right leadership, collaboration, and vision, TSU will continue to thrive as an institution that truly matters — not just to Tennessee, but to the nation and world."
In the letter, Johnson added he was confident that TSU could overcome its challenges.
In a statement made Wednesday and posted to social media platform X, the university thanked Johnson for his “impactful 120 days of leadership.”
“During his time at TSU, President Johnson has made significant strides, focusing on enhancing our financial stability through the Trajectory Change Initiative. His dedication to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni has been evident in every decision he made, always with the goal of fostering a brighter future for our university," the statement reads, in part. "President Johnson's love for TSU and its community has inspired us all, and we are grateful for his service and commitment during this transitional period. Let’s come together to honor his contributions and continue to support our university as we move forward.”