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Youngstown State taps Ohio representative Bill Johnson as new president

By Chris Pugh and Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

Updated November 22, 2023 9:39 AM

New Youngstown State University president Bill Johnson speaks during a press conference announcing him as the new leader of the school. Kelcey Norris/Mahoning Matters

The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees has chosen U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson as its new president after meeting with several heads of protest groups during a special executive session to discuss the presidential search.

“After much thought and prayerful deliberation, I have accepted the offer to lead Youngstown State University and will not be seeking an eighth term in Congress,” said Johnson. “As I’ve stated previously, I wasn’t looking for another job, because I love the one I have serving the people of Eastern Ohio in the U.S. House. This was an extremely difficult decision.

“This is not a goodbye, however. I will continue serving in the House for several more months, and you will see no let up. My offices are open and my staff remains ready to serve you. There is still much left on my agenda to do before I depart Congress, including doing all I can to help pass tax exemption legislation to benefit the people of East Palestine as well as a broader rail safety bill, streamline America’s LNG export process, and advance a responsible budget and spending package for the remainder of this fiscal year. It’s business as usual.”

What are the terms of Johnson’s contract?

The board said Johnson will make $410,000 annually and needs to start his role with Youngstown State by March 15, according to the contract.

Johnson said he will resign his role in Congress before he starts at YSU.

“My history in politics will not be reflected in the decisions that I make for YSU or its students,” said Johnson. “I am committed to an inclusive and respectful environment at the university, regardless of political, religious or personal affiliations. My focus will be on fostering open dialogue, understanding, diverse perspectives and contributing positively to the well-being of every student. I believe in building on a campus community where everyone feels valued and respected.”

He also said he intends to live on campus in the presidential house with his wife, LeeAnn.

The trustees voted 8-1 to approve Johnson.

YSU Board of Trustees says why Johnson was picked

Mike Peterson, chair of the YSU Board of Trustees praised Johnson’s selection as “forward thinking and an investment in the future of YSU. He understands the vision of our strategic plan.”

“From the outset of this presidential search process, we have looked for candidates who have the attributes we want in our next president. Our president must delegate, be a team-builder, avoid micromanaging, successfully fundraise and, especially, understand the challenges we face in higher education generally and particularly in Ohio,” stated Peterson. “Bill Johnson meets and exceeds those expectations.”

Johnson served in the United States Air Force for 26 years and retired in 1999 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Johnson will succeed Jim Tressel, president emeritus at YSU, who served nine years as YSU’s 9th president, before stepping down in February 2023.

“Bill Johnson has an unwavering belief in higher education, a strong belief in people, and his wide array of leadership experiences will serve him well at YSU,” Tressel said in a press release. “My message to Bill is that he is joining the finest group of faculty, students, and staff in America.”

During the meeting, about 50 protesters turned their backs to the board and booed when the decision was announced.

During the executive session, the board called in Mark Vopat, President of the YSU-OEA faculty union and school Student Government Association President Alex Papa to speak.

Vopat said the concerns were ignored by the board.

“YSU has struggled with enrollment for several years,” Vopat explained. “Ignoring the legitimate concerns of the alumni who support us with donations and their time, students who come here to be part of a community, and parents who help students choose their university does more damage. The Board’s decision sends the message that their input doesn’t matter at YSU, and that is a terrible message to send to prospective donors and students.”

Vopat said the decision has damaged the school.

“This damages our relationship with our students, our alumni, and our employees,” Vopat said. “The Board couldn’t have chosen a worse time in YSU history to alienate so many members of our community with this controversy.”

The board offered the position to Johnson last week.

The decision was widely protested with some citing “a lack of transparency” in the decision. No other candidates have been announced publicly and the school denied a Mahoning Matters public records request on Monday for the name of the other finalists.

In addition, Johnson’s previous comments opposing gay marriage, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s opinion on immigration and the validity of the 2020 Presidential election have been criticized by opposing groups.

During his introductory press conference, he said his political history would not influence his work as a president.

“Youngstown State is an educational university,” Johnson said. “Not a political institution.”

He also addressed those who protested his selection.

“For those who protested, I’m going to support their right to make their protests known,” Johnson said, adding he will have open meetings with students. “Youngstown State is going to remain a First Amendment-friendly campus.”