Since its founding in 1861, Tuskegee University in Alabama has had only seven presidents. Thus, long terms for presidents of Tuskegee have been the norm. But that was not the case for Brian L. Johnson, who was named president in 2014. The board of trustees announced that it would not renew President Johnson’s contract when it expires on June 30.
Published reports hinted that the trustees were not pleased that Dr. Johnson interviewed to become chancellor of North Carolina Central University. Also, it has been reported that the board was not pleased with efforts to improve the university’s financial position.
Charlotte P. Morris was named interim president of Tuskegee University, effective July 1. She had served in the same role in 2010. Dr. Morris is a professor of management at the university and has been serving as interim dean of the Andrew W. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science.
In accepting the appointment, Professor Morris said, “I am honored by the Board of Trustees’ request to serve Tuskegee University as its interim president. Thanks to the dedication and tenacity of our incredible faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, we will continue to build on the ‘Tuskegee Tradition.’ I am as committed as ever to advancing our focus on students through excellence in academics, research, service and outreach.”
Dr. Morris is a graduate of Jackson State University in Mississippi, where she majored in business education. She holds a master’s degree from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, and a Ph.D. in education and business management from Kansas State University.
