Johnson Delivers Farewell Speech to Congress

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson delivered a farewell speech to Congress on Thursday, a few days before he’ll begin his term as the 10th president of Youngstown State University.

Johnson, who’s been in the U.S. Congress since 2011, said people in his district, for some, represent the “flown over of fly-over country, but they truly are so much more.” 

Johnson said those in his district are hard-working with strong values. He said leaving Washington is easy, but leaving the people he represents is hard.

“I hear a new call,” Johnson said. “And it’s a call to help prepare the next generation of American leaders. I’ll be doing it at one of the nation’s finest public institutions of higher learning: Youngstown State University.”

Johnson will begin his term as YSU president Monday.

It took a unique offer for him to leave the “people’s House,” but Johnson called it a challenge he must accept.

The YSU trustees’ selection of Johnson to lead the university generated much controversy, with people from campus and the community criticizing the closed search, Johnson’s politics and his lack of higher education experience.

He’ll earn $410,000 annually in the three-year contract.

“Working with young people to shape the future excites me and gives me hope and zeal for the work ahead,” Johnson said. 

The full speech can be viewed HERE.

Pictured at top: In this image captured from video, U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson delivers his farewell speech to Congress on Thursday. (YouTube | RepBillJohnson)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.