President of Western New England University announces resignation
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Western New England University (WNE) announced on Tuesday that President Robert E. Johnson plans to step down from his role this August.
The university stated that Dr. Johnson, who began his tenure in 2020, shared with the Board of Trustees that he will step down effective August 1, 2025. During his time as president, Dr. Johnson served as a leader throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ushering in a new era.
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Dr. Johnson launched numerous programs at WNE during his presidency, including the XR/VR Lab, the FinTech Center, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and the Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center. The university's applicant pool has also doubled and achieved a 94% job placement rate, with Dr. Johnson welcoming the largest incoming class in recent history this year.
The WNE Board of Trustees will begin to implement plans for the leadership transition, which will include appointing an interim president. They will also launch a national search for the next president of the university.
The Board of Trustees said that their goal is to name an interim president with time for overlap and continuity prior to Dr. Johnson's departure. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Dr. Johnson shared the following letter with the campus community:
'Dear Golden Bear Community, I am writing to share that I will be stepping down as President of Western New England University effective August 1, 2025.
It has been an honor to serve this incredible institution over the past five years. Together with a dedicated team of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, we have led WNE through times of both challenge and transformation— emerging stronger, more agile, and more future-focused than ever before.
During my tenure, we have doubled our applicant pool, welcomed the largest incoming class in our 105-year history, and introduced forward-looking programs and centers like the FinTech Center, XR/VR Lab, Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS), and the Kevin and Sandra Delbridge Career Center. These efforts have resulted in a 94% job placement rate for our graduates, with starting salaries that outperform top national benchmarks.
I have had the great privilege of meeting many of you—at Golden Bear Weekends, alumni receptions, athletic events, and in quiet moments of conversation. Your pride in WNE and your commitment to our students and mission have left an indelible impression on me. Thank you for the passion and purpose you bring to our community.
As I prepare for the next chapter in my personal and professional life, I do so with full confidence in the strength and momentum of this university. WNE is well-positioned for the future, and I look forward to watching it continue to rise in the years to come.
The Board of Trustees is working to ensure a smooth leadership transition which includes the search for WNE's next president and the appointment of an interim president. Details about the search process, including the timeline and key milestones, will be shared with the community to ensure transparency and engagement. The Board intends to have an interim in place before my departure to create a brief period of overlap, allowing for a seamless transition and continuity of leadership.'
Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D. President Western New England University
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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