COLUMBUS, Ohio — The resignation of Ohio University’s president came as a surprise to some students and staff.
What You Need To Know
- President Johnson’s contract was slated to run through 2025
- Reports indicate the OSU’s board of trustees asked Johnson to resign
- She’ll be paid her retirement benefits in accordance to her contract
President Kristina Johnson made the announcement Monday night.
“It was unexpected. It didn’t appear as though she had any reason to resign, but I suppose obviously she does,” said Yondris Ferguson, OSU’s undergrad student government general assembly.
He said while she still has the rest of the academic year to complete, Johnson’s leadership style was different.
“She’s more hands off, behind the scenes, at least from my experience and my perspective of her. As far as my own personal feelings about her, she was here for two years,” Ferguson said. “She did what she thought was right, made a lot of money and now she’s gone.”
Johnson said she’s not leaving until the end of the academic year and will assist with the transition of the next president.
“We have been able to achieve so much, on so many different fronts, despite considerable adversity including the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said in a press release. “I am very proud of all that we have accomplished together. It’s been a privilege to serve this incredible university.”
The full details of why Johnson is leaving have not been made public, but The Columbus Dispatch reported through sources that the board of trustees asked Johnson to resign. The Dispatch also reported the board asked for the resignation after an outside firm conducted a review into Johnson following concerns from staff. Spectrum News asked Ohio State about the details in the report, but the school had no comment.
In the meantime, Gov. Mike DeWine said she played key roles in the areas of training and education which impacted the state.
“You know I don’t have a candidate,” DeWine said. “But I think it needs to be someone who understands the importance of Ohio State, the importance of Ohio State to all 88 counties no matter where you live.”
As members of the board of trustees begin their search process, DeWine said he’s hoping they’ll be actively looking now for the next person to lead.
Hired in 2020, Johnson’s contract was slated to run through 2025. While she is leaving mid-stream, university officials noted that she’ll still be compensated when it comes to benefits according to her contract once she leaves.
Last school year, trustees noted her strong leadership and accomplishments and in return approved a 3% salary increase.
