Johnson's resignation was reportedly requested by the board of trustees "following an investigation conducted by an outside firm into concerns about her that were raised by staff."
Ohio State University president Kristina M. Johnson announced on Monday evening that she will transition out of her role at the end of the academic year in May 2023.
“I am writing to you to let you know that I have made the difficult decision to step down as president following commencement at the end of the academic year,” Johnson said in a statement. “This will allow a search for the next president to proceed and adequate time for me to assist with a seamless transition.”
Johnson's announcement comes just hours after The Columbus Dispatch reported the university's board of trustees requested her resignation "following an investigation conducted by an outside firm into concerns about her that were raised by staff." Those concerns and the details of the investigation were not clear, however.
However, a school spokesperson denied the report and told BuckeyesNow there was not an investigation into Johnson.
"An outside consultant was engaged to assist with the president’s performance review, as has been done in years past," the spokesperson said. "The board was aware of President Johnson’s intent to leave the university advance of the November board meeting and therefore an annual review was not completed."
The 65-year-old Johnson – who was appointed the 16th president in school history in June 2020 – played a significant role in the preservation of the football season that fall after the Big Ten postponed (and eventually cancelled) sports due the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also recently named to the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.
In that role, she and 10 other presidents and chancellors from the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and Notre Dame govern the playoff’s business, property and affairs and develops, reviews and approves annual budgets, policies and operating guidelines.
Johnson now becomes the second shortest-tenured president in school history, as Walter Quincy Scott served in that role from 1881-83. That, of course, does not include the four people who held the position on an interim basis.
"On behalf of the entire board of trustees, I want to thank Dr. Johnson for her dedication to the university, especially her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Hiroyuki Fujita, who is the chair of board of trustees. "We congratulate her on her many achievements and wish her our very best in her future professional endeavors."
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