Tennessee State University (TSU) has appointed Dwayne Tucker, a distinguished alumnus and experienced leader, as its new interim president following the abrupt resignation of Dr. Ronald Johnson. The decision, made during a special-called meeting of the TSU Board of Trustees, marks a critical step forward as the university navigates financial challenges and leadership transitions.
Tucker, the CEO of LEAD Public Schools and a TSU graduate, has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees since April. He will step down from that role and take a temporary leave from his position at LEAD to focus entirely on leading TSU until June 30, 2025. Notably, Tucker will not accept a salary during his tenure. “I am both honored and humbled by this appointment,” Tucker said. “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. This is why I have served all along. We have serious and important work to do, and I look forward to doing that work transparently and with integrity. It’s the TSU way.”
The decision to appoint Tucker follows a tense period for TSU. Dr. Ronald Johnson, who served as interim president for less than six months, resigned last week, citing “a fundamental difference of perspective with the board” on how to move the institution forward. Board members expressed concerns over Johnson’s leadership, including his communication with stakeholders and decisions made without trustee approval. Vice Chair Charles Traughber noted that Johnson signed a controversial advisory contract with former TSU President Glenda Glover without board knowledge and allegedly provided inconsistent financial information during a period of budget challenges. Johnson’s tenure was further marred by reported comments perceived as insulting to TSU alumni and students.
The university has been under financial strain, with at least 100 employees laid off and freezes placed on hiring and nonessential spending. However, Board Chair Dakasha Winton expressed confidence that Tucker’s appointment will bring stability and a clear path forward. “The board has one North Star: ensuring a bright future for TSU so we can serve students, faculty, and alumni for decades to come,” Winton said. “We are deeply grateful to Dwayne for making the sacrifice to serve TSU in this way. As a proud and accomplished TSU alum with proven leadership in addressing complex issues while developing innovative paths forward, he is uniquely capable of leading us through this important and challenging time.”
Tucker brings nearly four decades of business and educational leadership experience to the role. Before his position at LEAD Public Schools (a Nashville-based network of charter schools serving over 2,100 students) Tucker held senior roles at Fortune 500 companies, including First Data and Northwest Airlines. His career began humbly, working his way from a Pizza Hut manager trainee to corporate leadership after experiencing early setbacks in his entrepreneurial ventures.
With Tucker’s leadership, alumni and board members hope to see TSU regain stability and focus on its mission of empowering students. “We don’t want to start 2025 off by litigating the past,” Tucker said. “We have serious and important work to do for the students who depend on us.”
The Board of Trustees will relaunch its search for a permanent president in January, with plans to have a successor in place by July 2025.
