Days after reports of his firing, officials at Tuskegee University have announced that it will not offer a contract extension to President Brian Johnson.
The Board of Trustees thanked Johnson for his service and credited him with strategic and infrastructural improvements made at the university over his three-year tenure.
“We appreciate Dr. Johnson’s service to Tuskegee University and wish him well in all his future endeavors. His enthusiastic leadership will continue to be an asset to him and his career,” said John E. Page, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “Tuskegee University is well positioned for greater success because of the combined contributions of its senior leadership, gifted faculty, hardworking staff, accomplished students, and committed alumni and friends.”
The board also named Charlotte Morris, former Interim Dean of the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science, as interim president. It is Dr. Morris’ second turn serving in the role, having been named to the same position following the retirement of former President Benjamin Payton in 2010.
“I am honored by the Board of Trustees’ request to serve Tuskegee University as its interim president,” Dr. Morris said. “Thanks to the dedication and tenacity of our incredible faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, we will continue to build on the ‘Tuskegee Tradition.’ I am as committed as ever to advancing our focus on students through excellence in academics, research, service and outreach.”
Dr. Johnson’s tenure was marked with gains in fundraising and profile exposure for the institution, and controversial opposition from some alumni.Detractors of Dr. Johnson cite student protests and petitions calling for his removal as evidence of an embattled presidency, but the school secured a $100,000 gift from alumnus and SuperSoaker inventor Lonnie Johnson last spring, and the removal of its occupational therapy program from probation.
