Shippensburg University has appointed an acting president following the resignation of George “Jody” Harpster on Jan. 20.
Last Thursday, the university announced SU provost and executive vice president Barbara Lyman will serve as acting president in accordance with the Pennsylvania Board of Governors’ order of succession plan. Lyman will remain in this position until an interim president is chosen.
In an email sent to students in late December, Harpster announced his departure from SU due to “important family health matters.”
“For the past two decades, my wife, Leslie and I have enjoyed the opportunity to share in that progress as part of the Ship family — serving in whatever capacity we could to help the university succeed,” Harpster said in his email.
During Harpster’s tenure as president, SU was named a “military friendly school” and have added new programs throughout numerous career fields. SU’s comprehensive program, “Charting the Course, Lighting the Way: The Campaign for Shippensburg University,” was among the most successful in its history, according to Harpster.
According to Kenn Marshall, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) media relations manager, an announcement in regards to PASSHE and SU’s selection of an interim president may be made as early as this Thursday.
This decision will be made by PASSHE following a scheduled meeting of the Board of Governors on Jan. 25 and 26.
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.