This article has been updated to show that Chancellor Johnson has accepted a position at Western New England University.

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert Johnson announced June 11 that he will resign from his post after nearly three years at the school. It was announced June 15 that Johnson will be the next president at Western New England University.

Johnson succeeds Dr. Anthony S. Caprio, who has served as Western New England University’s President for more than 24 years — the longest presidential tenure in the history of the school, a press release from the university states.

Johnson will begin his new role as President of Western New England University on Aug. 15. It is unclear when he is leaving the chancellor’s position.

“I am honored and humbled to have led, for three years, this world-class university that prides itself on its ambition, creative thinking, and research breakthroughs,” Johnson said. “Together, we developed a shared ambition for the university’s future and have accomplished much.”

UMass System President Marty Meehan praised Johnson’s time as chancellor.

“Chancellor Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to student success, and belief in the power of a university to strengthen regional economies through research and engagement have helped create new opportunities for individuals and South Coast communities over the last three years,” he said.

During Johnson’s tenure, the university completed a new residential and dining complex for incoming first-year students, expanded the College of Nursing into the College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and secured a $4.6 million research grant, the largest in the school’s history.

Johnson made the following statement about the current position of the school.

“The state of UMass Dartmouth is strong, and it is positioned well for its next chapter with its next leader, he said. “Nothing stops and the journey continues. The university is advancing, the leadership is committed, the employees are resilient, and I could not be prouder of the students.”