HBCU Tennessee State President Steps Down

 NASHVILLE -  The the office of Tennessee State University President:

For family and personal reasons, I have decided to retire from the Office of the President effective January 1, 2011.  I will transition into a position as a tenured professor in the College of Business at Tennessee State University during the coming year and will return to the classroom in fall 2011.

Since 2005, it has been my privilege to serve as TSU’s President. 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, fill me with pride for what this institution has accomplished. 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.

I appreciate the hard work of the faculty, staff, and administrators during my tenure.  Most of all, I am so very proud of the students who have excelled in their chosen fields of study.  In my new role, I will continue to have a direct impact on students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams.

First Lady Dr. Marcy Johnson and I have always felt that our journey is all about the students.  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.

Melvin N. Johnson
President