Update: YSU to Offer University President Position to Rep. Bill Johnson

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – During an emergency session Thursday, Youngstown State University trustees voted 8-1 to offer the position of university president to U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-6th.

Molly Seals, a retired hospital administrator, cast the lone dissenting vote.

“I do not believe the congressman is right for this job,” she said.

Michael Peterson, trustees chairman, said he was “pumped.”

The board authorized negotiation of an agreement with Johnson.

Johnson issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying he was made aware of the opportunity to become YSU president by a national executive search firm.

“I wasn’t looking for another job, because I love serving the people of Eastern Ohio,” he said in the statement. “When I was approached about leading this great university, with student success at the forefront, and helping to prepare the next generation of Americans to lead, I listened.”

He said that if he determines the opportunity to lead YSU is a “good fit, I’ll have a very difficult decision to make. In the meantime, my focus will remain on representing Eastern Ohio in the U.S. House.”

Peterson cited the veteran congressman’s career as a businessman and his servant leadership as characteristics that make him a good selection.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.