U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Johnson will officially begin serving as Youngstown State University’s 10th president Jan. 22, according to an email sent from the board of trustees on Jan. 2.
Johnson submitted his resignation from Congress on Jan. 2, and his time as representative will conclude at the end of the day, Jan. 21.
In the email, the board stated, “With his contract indicating he would start prior to March 15, 2024, we are excited to have him on campus earlier than anticipated. In the meantime, Bill will continue to visit campus as often as his schedule allows to continue meeting with students, faculty and staff.”
Former interim president of YSU, Helen Lafferty, stepped down Dec. 27, 2023. In anticipation of Lafferty’s last day, the board announced Dec. 26, 2023. that Neal McNally, vice president for Finance and Business Operations, will be serving as acting president until Johnson assumes office.