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Clarion University’s Council of Trustees will recommend to the Pennsylvania Board of Governors that the chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Dr. Frank Brogan, extend the contract of Dr. Karen M. Whitney for one year.
Her current contract runs through 2018. The unanimous decision was made at the trustees meeting on April 21.
“The council recognizes that the past few years have been challenging times for Clarion University,” said Jim Kifer, president of the Council of Trustees.
“Challenging times require a leader who is up for the challenge. Throughout this period, Dr. Whitney has consistently made sound decisions that are moving the university forward.”
Whitney joined Clarion University as the 16th President on July 1, 2010. She brought over 30 years of experience in public higher education to Clarion, having held positions at every level of higher education administration.
Whitney has effectively led efforts to raise Clarion University's reputation of academic quality and high impact college experiences. Since 2010 several major efforts have transformed Clarion, including significant improvements to campus facilities with more than $150 million of construction and renovation projects completed – initiatives that are designed to enrich the student learning and community engagement experience.
"I am most grateful for the confidence and support that the Clarion University Council of Trustees has shown in their recent action,” said Whitney.
“I love Clarion University and remain extremely committed to leading it into the future."
Other major efforts during her presidency include: 1) An upcoming major fundraising campaign to support student success so that more scholarships are available to students; 2) enhancing programs and services which directly help students graduate and succeed beyond graduation; 3) adding 10 new academic credentials, including a doctoral degree, in areas of great interest/need to students, employers and the state and; 4) increasing the university’s enrollment in priority areas such as health professions, business, education and the sciences.