BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — A well-regarded university president is taking over at Bluefield State University.
Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, one of the American Enterprise Institute’s Top Ten College Presidents of the 21st Century, has been chosen as interim president. He replaces acting president Cathy Deeb, who had taken over for Dr. Darrin Martin, who was fired in August over concerns of financial mismanagement.
Johnson’s impressive resume includes time as Clark Atlanta University president, as well as interim presidential stints at Kentucky State University and Tennessee State University. He’s served as business school dean at Texas Southern University and Western Carolina University, and has taught at Texas Southern, Western Carolina, Florida A&M, Howard, and Northeastern.
“Bluefield State University has a proud history and an essential role in the future of this region,” Johnson said. “I look forward to listening to our students, faculty and staff, working with the Board of Governors and building relationships with alumni and community partners. Together, we can address the university’s immediate needs while keeping our focus on students and Bluefield State’s long-term success.”
With degrees from Adelphi and Stanford universities, Johnson has worked with Smith Graham & Co. as president and chief investment officer, time with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and as a senior portfolio manager at Templeton Worldwide. He has extensive experience with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), co-founding the HBCU Executive Leadership Institute at Clark Atlanta to set up leaders for careers at those schools, as well as working on the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Bluefield State University Board of Governors Chairman Charlie Cole welcomed Johnson in a release.
“Dr. Johnson brings the leadership experience and financial expertise Bluefield State needs as we address our challenges and plan for the future,” Cole said. “We look forward to supporting his efforts to strengthen the university and expand opportunities for our students.”
Deeb returns to her role as BOG vice chairwoman with Johnson’s appointment.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Cathy Deeb for stepping forward to serve as acting president during an important time for Bluefield State,” Cole said. “Cathy has devoted tremendous time and energy to supporting our students, faculty and staff and keeping the university moving forward. Her love for Bluefield State has been evident throughout her service, and we are grateful for her continued leadership as she returns to her role as vice chair.”
Johnson will be tasked with stabilizing reported instability with Bluefield State’s finances. During the meeting in which Martin was let go, Cole outlined some revelations that drew concern:
– The board learned Bluefield State was “significantly behind paying its obligations” in a figure at least $1.5 million.
– The board was unable to “retain reliable evidence” about unpaid bills, outstanding debts, actual balances, or finances of the institution.
– The board received “mixed and conflicting numbers” from Martin.
– The board learned Bluefield State was the “only school in the state” that didn’t submit its annual state appropriation request on time, which was $7 million last year.
– The board didn’t get notified about “potentially serious violations of NCAA rules,” which led to an emergency meeting the previous week.
– When the board went to talk with Martin after an executive session during the emergency meeting, “the president had left and was not available to speak to the board.”