By Joshua Phelps, Timothy Bold
and Jason Ethridge
The Scene staff
Larry Johnson is gone.
Forest Park’s provost moved out of his office and left campus for good Friday, despite stating earlier this month that he would be staying until his contract ended June 30.
“He did some good work,” said Franklyn Taylor, dean of student development and enrollment, on Wednesday. “I had no idea (he was leaving Friday), and I didn’t ask any questions.”
Johnson could not be reached for comment this week. He joined Forest Park’s administration two years ago.It was announced April 3 that Johnson, 36, had accepted a position as president of Phoenix College in Arizona, effective July 1.
Most faculty and staff didn’t know Johnson had left until Tuesday, when they received an email from Julie Fickas, dean of STEM and business, who identified herself as the new interim provost.
“I am excited to take on the extra duties of the provost’s position while we await a search process for the new provost of our campus,” she wrote. “I appreciate all of the encouraging words and offers to help in any way expressed after Dr. Langrehr announced the leadership transition on Friday.”
Fickas was referring to Andrew Langrehr, STLCC vice chancellor for academic affairs. By Wednesday, she had already moved into Johnson’s former office.
Calls were not returned by Langrehr; Kedra Tolson, STLCC executive director of marketing and communications; or Brittney Aladegbami, Forest Park marketing and communications specialist.
Nez Savala, STLCC communications manager, declined to comment.
“It’s a personnel matter,” she said.
The Scene was told that Fickas was out of town and STLCC Chancellor Jeff Pittman was on vacation this week.
The newspaper was unable to determine why Johnson left early; whether he was asked to leave or decided on his own; or if he will be paid his full remaining salary under contract.
Keisha Robinson, Johnson’s former secretary, on Wednesday said she was surprised about his sudden departure.
“I didn’t have any indication,” she said.
Robinson was at a conference and not in the office on Friday, when Johnson moved out. She referred further questions to the STLCC Human Resources department.
Despite Fickas’ email, many people on campus Wednesday didn’t know that Johnson was gone.
That included Brett Williams, a Forest Park art adjunct and bargaining committee member for Service Employees International Union, which represents adjunct faculty.
“I think that would be odd that someone would be let out of their contract early,” he said.
Campus Life Manager Donivan Foster had a different take.
“I knew (Johnson) was leaving later this year anyway, so it wasn’t much of a surprise,” he said.
Members of the Forest Park Student Government Association found out on Wednesday about Johnson’s departure.
SGA President Tony Williams praised him as a “gentleman,” “servant” and “leader.”
“It’s unfortunate that he left here, but he made a positive impact,” Williams said. “He was greatly appreciated, and he will truly be missed at the Forest Park campus.”
Johnson came to St. Louis in 2016 from Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he was associate dean of academic affairs.
Phoenix College is considered the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College district, which has 10 campuses. Phoenix enrolls about 20,000 students.
“I will directly report to the chancellor,” Johnson said in an interview two weeks ago. “The provost position (at Forest Park) is an academic affairs position on campus. My new position will allow me to drive the vision.”