The City University of New York (CUNY) has announced the appointment of Larry Johnson Jr. as the new president of Bronx Community College (BCC). Johnson, who has been serving as president of Guttman Community College, will officially assume his new role on July 14, following approval by the CUNY Board of Trustees. He will succeed Thomas A. Isekenegbe, with Milton Santiago having served as interim president since August 2023.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez praised Johnson’s dedication to community colleges, stating, “President Johnson has demonstrated a strong commitment to the transformative mission of community colleges throughout his career – at CUNY and in his previous posts around the country.” Rodríguez also acknowledged Interim President Santiago for his leadership over the past two academic years.
Johnson expressed honor in being named BCC’s seventh president: “With its distinguished history and enduring commitment to educational equity, BCC serves as a vital institution of social mobility, advancing the intellectual and professional aspirations of students across generations.”
During his tenure at Guttman Community College, Johnson oversaw significant enrollment growth and expanded academic programs. The college saw a 29% increase in fall enrollment in 2023 and introduced new certificate and associate degree programs in cybersecurity and secondary education. Additionally, Guttman established a Career Innovation Hub to enhance career opportunities for students from underserved communities.
Johnson’s previous roles include leadership positions at community colleges in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Missouri. Notably, he was the first Black president of Phoenix College in its century-long history. His educational background includes degrees from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Clark Atlanta University.
Bronx Community College was founded in 1957 and is located at the edge of the Harlem River. It is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution with more than 40 academic programs offered to its diverse student body.
CUNY remains committed to providing quality public education across New York City’s five boroughs. It serves nearly 240,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually through its network of community colleges, senior colleges, and graduate institutions.
