As news spread of the impending retirement of Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson, House members were compelled to praise him for the job he has performed. Johnson has been the Chancellor since 2007.
House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Rep. Kevin Wallace said he was appreciative of Johnson’s service.
“Chancellor Johnson has been a fierce advocate for higher education in our state. He has shown his commitment to students by pushing for better academic conditions, higher graduation rates and better workforce ready results so they can compete for Oklahoma Jobs. He’s also been doggedly determined to secure better pay and conditions for the many professors, faculty, staff and administrators who serve throughout our state’s college and university system. Chancellor Johnson has been a dedicated public servant for many years – serving as a former speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of one our state colleges, Southeastern State University, before taking the helm for the Regents for Higher Education. I want to thank him for his long service to our state and to all who interact with higher education. We are a better state because of his tenure,” said Wallace.
House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education Chairman Rep. Mark McBride also praised Johnson for his service both as chancellor and a former lawmaker who addressed education issues.
“Glen Johnson has served our state with distinction for many years, both as a former legislator and speaker of the House of Representatives and as the chancellor of higher education. He’s done an awesome job in every role in which he’s served. Oklahomans across all walks of life, including college and university students as well as professors and other staff and administrators, are better off because of his dedication to our government and our higher education system. Glen has also become a good personal friend of mine. I know whatever he chooses to do next will be of benefit to our great state, and I wish him the very best,” said McBride.
House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Jon Echols also responded to the announcement saying…
“Glen Johnson has served Oklahomans – and especially Oklahoma students – with great distinction during his remarkable run of state service as a House member and within our higher education system. I can think of no better way to honor the chancellor’s legacy than for us to move forward next session with historic support for higher education that puts students first. All education decisions we make should be about what is best for our students, and Glen Johnson has shown Oklahomans for decades the type of success we can achieve when we do that. I wish the chancellor all the best in retirement, and look forward to helping honor his legacy next year and into the future by reaffirming our commitment to building a world class higher education system in Oklahoma.”
Johnson’s retirement will be effective at the end of 2020.
Governor Kevin Stitt recently called for Johnson to step down as chancellor.
The State Regents for Higher Education will select Johnson’s replacement.
