The social and economic turmoil caused by the nation’s struggle with the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered the State Regents’ ability to search for, and hire, Chancellor Glen D. Johnson’s successor. After consultation with national higher education leadership organizations and search firms, the State Regents’ Chancellor Search Committee has chosen to delay the search for a new Chancellor.

The committee asked Chancellor Johnson to delay his retirement for nine months, and Johnson agreed to do so. He will remain as Chancellor until September 30, 2021. Chancellor Johnson had originally planned to retire at the end of this year.

“We are grateful that Chancellor Johnson is willing to extend his service to the state during this time of unique and unprecedented challenges to higher education,” said Joseph L. Parker Jr., State Regents’ chair. “Chancellor Johnson’s leadership and knowledge of the system will enable us to preserve and strengthen the state system.”