Ferrum College president to step down

Ferrum College President David L. Johns will resign effective Nov. 7, the school announced Tuesday.

The private college’s board of trustees will select an interim president as it begins a national search for its next president. Johns has been Ferrum College’s president since January 2018.

“I am proud of all we have accomplished these past five years and the way we have worked together to make Ferrum a great place to live, work, study and play. I appreciate the support I have received from the board throughout this process,” Johns said in a statement.

Kevin P. Riley, vice president of academic affairs, has been promoted to chief operating officer of the college and will lead the college through the transition as it selects an interim president and then a permanent president.

“We are confident in Dr. Reilly’s ability, and that of the entire president’s cabinet, to lead the college over the coming months,” Ferrum College Board of Trustees Chair Scott Showalter said in a statement.

He also thanked Johns for his service.

“We are grateful for [Johns’] service to the college and his many contributions during his tenure as president, including managing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and for his efforts in establishing the strategic direction of the college,” Showalter said. “On behalf of the board of trustees, we wish Dr. Johns all the best in his next endeavor.”