NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dwayne Tucker was named the new interim president of Tennessee State University following a special board of trustees meeting Friday morning.

Tucker replaces Ronald Johnson who unexpectedly resigned earlier this week.

Adam Wray

“As a proud TSU alumnus, I care deeply about ensuring the strongest possible future for my alma mater and for the students who entrust us with their education,” Tucker said.

Prior to Tucker’s appointment, board Vice Chairman Charles Traughber spoke out against former interim chairman Ronald Johnson at the meeting.

Traughber cited several incidents in which Johnson acted without the board’s knowledge, including appointing former president Glenda Glover as an advisor and misleading state lawmakers about his involvement in Glover’s appointment during of a State Building Commission meeting in November.

During the meeting, Traughber also accused Johnson of speaking about the university in insulting terms.

He said Johnson referred to TSU staff and employees as “short-sighted professionals” in presentation preparation materials and referred to TSU graduates and those who did not earn degrees as being “destined to working at Popeye’s or Starbucks.”

Acting President Tucker said during the meeting that he would not receive a salary in his new role.

“We have serious and important work to do, and I look forward to joining the board to do that work with transparency and integrity. That’s the TSU way,” Tucker said.

Tucker will serve as interim president until June 30, 2025.

TSU continues its national search for permanent hiring for this position.

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