Tennessee State University interim President Johnson resigns amid ongoing financial difficulties

Tennessee State University (Photo from TSU)

Tennessee State University (TSU) Interim President Ronald Johnson abruptly announced his resignation on Wednesday, amid concerns that the university is running out of money due to financial mismanagement.

TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson speaks with lawmakers at a State Building Commission meeting in November. (Screenshot)

According to a Facebook post from the historically Black university, his resignation will take effect Friday “after over 120 impactful days of leadership.” The post noted that he’s spearheaded recent efforts at the university to avoid a $46 million deficit going into next school year.

“During his time at TSU, President Johnson has made significant strides, focusing on enhancing our financial stability through the Trajectory Change Initiative,” the post read. “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. 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.”

Tennessee State University Board of Trustees Chair Dakasha Winton said in an emailed statement that university leaders will soon meet to discuss finding a new interim president to replace Johnson moving forward.

"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,” she told Tennessee Firefly. “The board looks forward to our meeting on Friday at 8 a.m. to discuss the appointment of an interim president."  

University officials under Johnson’s leadership said last month that the university will seek funding from external sources, such as donations and fundraisers, to help mitigate financial difficulties. In addition, the university plans to reduce over 115 “duplicate or non-productive contracts,” which account for about $3.5 million in total. University officials also plan to repurpose $32.3 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Overall, officials said, the new plan will leave TSU with a $3.7 million surplus.

The plan was unveiled amid ongoing criticism from state leaders about years of financial mismanagement at the university, which led state legislators to oust TSU’s board in March.  University supporters have however continually made the case TSU has been underfunded compared to other state institutions that are not historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

At a November State Building Commission meeting with Tennessee lawmakers about the university’s financial difficulties, Johnson said much of today’s financial difficulties came from “outdated financial practices” under previous administrations. However, he said many universities today are experiencing similar hardships as well after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like many higher education institutions nationwide, TSU faces financial pressures. The sector is contending with structural budget deficits and sustainability challenges. Even prominent institutions, including Big Ten universities, have reported substantial operating deficits signaling a broader issue,” he said at that meeting.