Ronald A. Johnson has been selected to serve as interim president of Bluefield State University in West Virginia. He began his new responsibilities on October 28.
Historically Black Bluefield State University enrolls more than 1,100 undergraduate students, 21 percent of whom are Black. The university also has a small graduate population of roughly 25 students.
Dr. Johnson comes to his new role with extensive senior leadership experience in higher education. He is a former president of Clark Atlanta University and a former interim president of Kentucky State University and Tennessee State University. Earlier in his career, Dr. Johnson was dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University and dean of the College of Business at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. He has also taught at Florida A&M University, Howard University, and Northeastern University in Boston.
“Bluefield State University has a proud history and an essential role in the future of this region,” said Dr. Johnson. “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.”
Dr. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and his MBA from Adelphi University in New York. He holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.
