Oklahoma higher ed chancellor says he’ll step down next year
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Chancellor Glen Johnson, a former Democratic speaker of the Oklahoma House who led the state’s higher education system for the past 12 years, says he plans to retire at the end of next year.
Johnson made the announcement Friday in a news release.
Oklahoma’s new Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, has been critical of Johnson and called for his ouster, although the decision to retain the chancellor lies with the State Regents for Higher Education.
Nearly all nine members of the panel were appointed by Stitt’s predecessor.
The panel’s chair, Jody Parker, said in a statement Friday that the regents are pleased with Johnson’s leadership and are not seeking a change.
Johnson served in the Oklahoma House for 14 years, the last six as Speaker.