Ronald A. Johnson named president of Clark Atlanta University

Dr. Ronald A. Johnson has been named the fourth president of Clark Atlanta University.

Johnson, who is currently the dean of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, at Texas Southern University will assume the leadership position at Clark Atlanta University on July 1, following Carlton Brown, who will be stepping down in June after leading the institution for 7 years.

“There are few institutions in the United States, historically black colleges and Universities(HBCUs) or otherwise, with the rich dual history, the intellectual legacy and the tradition of scholar activism that defines Clark Atlanta,” Johnson said in a statement. “Now the University will look to its future, harnessing a tremendous wealth of academic talent, a nation-wide expanse of passionate, multi-generational alumni and opportunities to create strategic alliances that will elevate its competitive advantage.”

Johnson brings to the position a wealth of experience. According to his profile on the Texas Southern University’s website, he is formerly the president and chief investment officer at Smith Graham & Co. in Houston, Texas – where he managed US$3 billion in assets and has served as director of global fixed income research and senior portfolio manager for Templeton Worldwide Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and chief strategist and head of research for Americas Trust Bank in Miami, Florida.

Johnson has also held positions with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the International Monetary Fund, both in Washington, D.C.

About Clark Atlanta University: Clark Atlanta University is a private, historically black university in Atlanta, Georgia. It was formed in 1988 with the consolidation of Clark College (founded in 1869) and Atlanta University (founded in 1865).

Clark Atlanta University is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The university has a Carnegie classification of “Research University – High Research Activity” and is one of only 4 HBCUs to earn such a distinction.