Clark Atlanta University’s next president, Ronald Johnson, wasted no time laying out his goals for the historically black institution’s future.
During his speech Tuesday announcing him as Clark Atlanta’s fourth president, Johnson detailed his six-point plan, titled “Ushering Fourth,” which focuses on fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness, university experience, research, the university’s financial campaign and strengthening alumni engagement. Johnson also provided feedback forms at the end of the announcement for alumni to recommend ways to improve the university.
In Clark Atlanta, “I see an institution that combines almost 300 years of history, of success and of impacting not only the African-American community but the world,” Johnson said. “I think this is a critical time for us as African-Americans to look at our institutions and ensure that we are good stewards of that.”
Johnson said he hopes to improve Clark Atlanta’s relationships with the city’s other black colleges, including Spelman and Morehouse in the Atlanta University Center, and better use some of the institution’s property. Clark Atlanta is also beginning a fundraising campaign that will launch officially under Johnson’s leadership.
Johnson was unanimously selected by Clark Atlanta’s board from a pool of more than 100 applicants, and three finalists. He has served in his position as dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University, another historically black institution in Houston, since 2011. Johnson has also served as dean of the business college at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., and held several private-sector business and finance positions.
He takes over at Clark Atlanta on July 1, replacing Carlton Brown, who retires in June after seven years leading the institution.
Clark Atlanta’s announcement follows Spelman’s selection last week of former New York University dean Mary Schmidt Campbell as its new president.
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