Latest news with #RobertE.Johnson
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Commencement ceremony held for Western New England University Class of 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Western New England University honored its Class of 2025 at its 107th commencement ceremony. Pomp and Circumstance echo through the MassMutual Center as Western New England University honors the class of 2025. It's a class that began their undergraduate careers in the fall of 2021, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was working to put itself back together. It's because of their flexibility, their willingness to adapt to change, that University President Robert E. Johnson calls them the 'class of agility' in his address. Their professors say their dedication stands out as well. 22News Hiring: Television News Photographer – Part Time Accounting professor and teaching excellence award recipient Tara Grealis told 22News, 'They have passion to go out and change the world, and it's just amazing to watch them get to that point.' Nearly 600 Golden Bears are being honored at this undergraduate ceremony, each one with a different story and a different goal. Some graduates say this is just the beginning, and they'll continue to pursue degrees in law, occupational therapy, or medical school. 'I'm hoping to change the world of medicine. I want to make it better for everyone, more accessible to everyone, and I just want to make it the best that I can,' said Naressa Kempadoo, Class of 2025, Health Sciences. Others are going right into full-time work, like Springfield native and student speaker Elizabeth Heiney, who's off to Minneapolis as an analyst at a private equity firm. She asks students to reflect on their experiences together, both the triumphs and the challenges. 'We're going to continue to grow in the future. And there's nothing that we can't do with what we've learned here,' said Elizabeth Heiney, Class of 2025 student speaker. All are leaving with Western New England's value of community, and as one graduate adds, there's comfort knowing their roots will stay there. 'No matter what's going on, everyone really cares for each other, and there's just such a family feeling when you're there, so definitely carrying that into my future, and just kinda shining that light onto other people wherever I go,' said Jessica Brown Class of 2025, Health Sciences & Occupational Therapy. 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 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Western New England University president Robert Johnson stepping down
SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University President Robert E. Johnson will step down from his role effective August 1. Johnson shared the announcement with the university's board of trustees this week. The trustees' goal is to name an interim president in time for there to be an overlap before Johnson departs. Details of the process will be shared in the coming weeks, the university said in a statement. In a public statement, Western New England said Johnson began his five years of leadership just as COVID-19 hit. The university said it remained committed to in-person instruction, expanded mental health resources including mental health first aid training, and embraced a philosophy rooted in agility, adaptability and lifelong learning. 'It has been my honor to serve as president of Western New England University,' Johnson said in the statement. 'Together, we have navigated unprecedented challenges and embraced opportunities that have redefined what it means to prepare students for the future of work and society. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished and confident that WNE's brightest days are still ahead.' Johnson's accomplishments include the launch of a virtual reality lab, a financial technology center, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and a career center. Most recently, the university unveiled the Golden Bear Discovery Curriculum — the first major revision of the general education program in 25 years. 'WNE is an extraordinary place, and none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional faculty, staff and students,' Johnson said in an email to students and faculty. 'I have been proud to work alongside a leadership team and campus community defined by integrity, collaboration and resilience.' Johnson earned $699,000 in compensation from Western New England University and related organizations, according to a 2022 tax document. That's the most recent tax form publicly available. Springfield Partners for Community Action still serves as the connection place in city Holyoke Landing, location of Popeyes and Starbucks, sold Howdy Awards honor 10 for hospitality excellence in Springfield area Read the original article on MassLive. Read the original article on MassLive. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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. UMass students' legal status restored after visas revoked 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 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
