NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dwayne Tucker has been named the new Interim President of Tennessee State University following a special called Board of Trustees meeting Friday morning.
Tucker replaces Ronald Johnson who resigned unexpectedly earlier this week.
“As a proud TSU alum, I care deeply about securing the strongest possible future for my alma mater and for the students who entrust us with their education," Tucker said.
Prior to Tucker's appointment, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Charles Traughber spoke out against the former interim president Ronald Johnson during the meeting.
Traughber cited multiple incidents of Johnson acting without the board's knowledge, including naming former president Glenda Glover as an advisor and misleading state lawmakers about his involvement in Glover's appointment during a State Building Commission meeting in November.
During the meeting, Traughber also accused Johnson of speaking about the university in insulting terms.
He said Johnson called TSU staff and employees "near-sighted professionals" in presentation preparation materials and referred to TSU graduates and those who didn't earn degrees to be "destined to work at Popeye's or Starbucks."
Interim president Tucker said during the meeting he will not be taking a salary in his new role.
"We have serious and important work to do, and I look forward to joining the board in doing that work transparently and with integrity. It’s the TSU way," Tucker said.
Tucker will serve as the interim president until June 30, 2025.
"My goal as we close out 2024 is to meet with as many as those stakeholders as we can including community influences across Nashville, and the country if needed. To ensure we understand what the current status of business of TSU is," Tucker said.
TSU is continuing its national search for permanent hire at the position.
We all know Dolly Parton as a Tennessee treasure, I believe Mr. Jimmy Wren might join her. In honoring his 101st birthday, we got to know this WWII veteran and Orlinda native. His stories are captivating, and he'll leave you in stitches. Enjoy this story from Chris Davis and photojournalist, Catherine Steward.
-Carrie Sharp
