Tri-C president to retire, says ‘time is right’

Search to begin for replacement

After nearly a decade of leadership, Cuyahoga Community College President Alex Johnson is retiring, effective June 30.Tri-C students, faculty and staff were informed of Johnson’s decision in a virtual town hall meeting Oct.13, according to a news release.

“This is a difficult decision because I love Tri-C, believe wholeheartedly in its mission and have had the privilege of working alongside so many amazing people in the eight years I’ve led the college,” Johnson said in the release.

“But the time is right to let new leadership take the reins and build upon what we’ve accomplished. And we’ve accomplished so much.”

Johnson took office in July 2013 as the college’s fourth fulltime president. Under his leadership, the release detailed, Tri-C renewed its commitment to providing educational access throughout Northeast Ohio.

He oversaw an era of increasing graduation rates and numbers at the college, the result of new investments in workforce training, capital improvements and programs serving those in low-income and distressed areas.

“One of the most enduring memories I’ll take with me is how we rallied to support one another and the college’s mission despite the difficulties created by the pandemic,” Johnson said in the release. “I saw great inner strength and resolve from our students, faculty and staff that continues to this day. I’ve always been proud of Tri-C, but I’ve never been prouder of the Tri-C family than I have been during the pandemic.”

A committee chaired by Tri-C trustee Victor Ruiz will oversee a national search for Johnson’s replacement, with the aim of hiring a new president next spring.

The committee will also include trustees Ann Frangos, Phoebe Lee and Andrew Randall.

Johnson