Local

YSU reveals Neal McNally as acting president until Bill Johnson assumes office

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

December 26, 2023 1:37 PM

The YSU Board of Trustees announced the vice president for finance and business operations Neal McNally will assume the role as acting president. YSU

There will be a new acting president of Youngstown State University to sit in the office until the president-elect can assume the role.

The YSU Board of Trustees announced they’d chosen U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson as the university’s next president at the end of November.

Helen Lafferty has served as interim president since February of 2023.

Lafferty will officially be leaving the office on Wednesday.

Where is Helen Lafferty going?

According to the Board of Trustees, she’ll be transitioning back to her previous teaching position at Villanova University for the upcoming spring semester.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we would like to thank Dr. Helen Lafferty for stepping forward to serve her alma mater as interim president. Throughout Dr. Lafferty’s time at YSU, she worked daily advancing the mission of YSU as a student-centered University built on academic excellence,” wrote Michael Peterson, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Johnson’s contract said he is set to begin before March 15; meanwhile, the Board of Trustees announced that the finance and business operations vice president, Neal McNally, will fill the role.

McNally will start December 31 and serve as acting president until Johnson can assume office.

“We are looking forward to [Johnson] joining us on campus,” wrote Peterson. “Thank you for your ongoing support for Youngstown State University and commitment to the success of our students. In the spirit of the holiday season, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your families for a joyous and peaceful time.”