Charting the Future: The Presidential Search at WNE
In April 2025, President Robert E. Johnson announced his intention to step down as president at the end of his fifth year during the summer of 2025. The Board of Trustees has initiated preparations for a presidential search during the Academic Year 2025-2026, including hiring search consultant, WittKieffer.
In a July 28, 2025 letter to the Golden Bear community, Trustee Chair Elena Gervino announced Kenneth Rickson, former Vice President, Sales Risk Management, MassMutual Financial Group, 2022 WNE Alumnus of the Year award recipient, and past chair of the WNE Board of Trustees, will chair the search.
On January 7, 2026, Trustee Chair Gervino announced the appointment of Joseph C. Hartman, Ph.D., P.E., as the seventh President of Western New England University.