Johnson to step down after academic year, 16th president in 125 years

On October 6, President Philip Johnson informed the Finlandia University Board of Trustees that he will be stepping down at the end of the current academic year.

In a letter to the trustees, President Johnson wrote, “It has been a profound privilege and deep joy to serve Finlandia’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students. I am confident new leadership will emerge that is able to lead Finlandia toward a more prosperous future.”

Board President, Julie Badel, said the Board accepted, with regret, President Johnson’s resignation. “The Board appreciates all of the President’s hard work and accomplishments. His leadership, into and through these most difficult recent years, has Finlandia emerging stronger.”

As Finlandia celebrates its 125th anniversary, the search for the University’s next president will begin immediately. “The Board looks forward to the next president continuing the progress we have enjoyed under President Johnson’s leadership,” Badel said.