Dr. Melvin Johnson announces his retirement effective January 2011
by Cass F.L. Teague, Jr.,Ed.D.
Published: July 9, 2010
 |
In a letter to members of the university community, alumni, and supporters, Tennessee State University (TSU) president Dr. Melvin N. Johnson announced, on July 7, 2010, that he will be retiring from the Office of President, Tennessee State University.
In the letter Dr. Johnson stated that he has decided to leave the office for family and personal reasons. "I have decided to retire from the Office of the President effective January 1, 2011," said President Johnson. "I will transition into a position as a tenured professor in the College of Business at TSU during the coming year and will return to the classroom in fall 2011."
Dr. Johnson stated that he has been privileged to serve at the university since 2005. He said, "I am proud of what has been achieved during my tenure. Recent accomplishments, such as TSU's receipt of $8 million of the state's 'Race to the Top' funding for a program designed to help elementary and middle school teachers teach math more effectively and being named to the Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, with Distinction. It fills me with pride for what this institution has accomplished," said Johnson. "Most importantly, TSU now receives land grant match and agricultural research, forestry research and cooperative extension funding in excess of $9 million per year. As of this fiscal year, this will generate nearly $39 million in state and federal matching funds for land grant activities."
Dr. Johnson also stated in the letter that he is appreciative of the hard work of the faculty, staff, and administrators during his tenure. "Most of all," he said, "I am so very proud of the students who have excelled in their chosen fields of study."
In his new role, he expects to have direct impact on students "by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams."
Dr. Johnson said that he and TSU's First Lady Dr. Marcy Johnson have felt that it was about the students. "I have always felt that our journey is all about the students," he said.
"I appreciate the opportunity that I have had to share your lives and goals and look forward to continuing to serve, albeit in a new capacity, as this great university moves ahead."
The letter was signed, Melvin N. Johnson, President.
