Ferrum College has named David Johns, who currently serves as vice president for academic affairs at Union College in Kentucky, as its next president.
The search for a new leader began after the college released Jody Spooner from his contract on May 31. Spooner served as president for less than a year, and his sudden departure came as a surprise to alumni and the campus community.
Jennifer Braaten, who preceded Spooner, has served as interim president. Johns will take the helm Jan. 1, becoming Ferrum’s 12th president.
Johns, 55, said Wednesday his entire career has been set at small, private higher education institutions. He attended one himself, earning a bachelor’s degree from Malone University in Ohio. Johns was a first-generation college student, like many at Ferrum.
