Following the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announcement of Barbara Lyman as Shippensburg University’s new interim president, SU adjusted to additional administrative changes.

Lyman, who has served as SU’s executive vice president and provost since 2008, was first appointed acting president on Jan. 20 after the retirement of former president George “Jody” Harpster.

Following her subsequent promotion to interim president, associate provost and dean of graduate studies Tracy Schoolcraft took over the majority of Lyman’s previous responsibilities as provost.

Lyman was first appointed to this role in accordance with PASSHE’s Order of Succession Plan, which states that a state university’s executive vice president should fill the position of acting president if circumstances were to cause the president to step away from his or her duties.

Since the end of January, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, James Mike, and the associate dean of the John L. Grove College of Business, Tony Winter, have split their time covering the responsibilities of the associate provost in Schoolcraft’s absence, according to Schoolcraft.

“We talked about some ideas, and what we decided to do was look at certain individuals’ skill sets,” Schoolcraft said of the selection process of an associate provost.

Schoolcraft said she will be retaining several of her previous duties, including her work with SU’s re-accreditation program, the Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE). SU will be seeking re-accreditation this semester, though the process is expected to continue through the spring of 2019.

“It was beneficial for me [during selection] to look at other associate deans to see who else had Middle States experience,” Schoolcraft said.

In addition to incorporating the help of SU’s deans, Schoolcraft said it is normal procedure for several professors to take one or two classes out of their schedules to assist with the re-accreditation process.

“We typically have faculty help where they have one or two courses released from their schedule,” Schoolcraft said.

On Thursday and Friday, Schoolcraft and her 13 fellow provosts met in Harrisburg at the Dixon University Center for a meeting with the vice chancellor of academic student affairs, Kathleen M. Howley.

Another responsibility of the associate provost, conducting faculty promotions, will be completed by SU’s new executive vice president, Vice President of Library and Technology Services Rick Ruth, according to Schoolcraft.

Schoolcraft said this change was discussed and approved with SU’s chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF).

“It’s a concept of him having those necessary skill sets,” Schoolcraft said.

During her tenure as provost, Lyman maintained a close working relationship with SU’s social equity office. Schoolcraft said this relationship will stay intact despite recent transitions.

“I’ve encouraged her [Lyman] to keep it as long as she can do it,” Schoolcraft said. “By her keeping the relationship, she continues to show how important it really is.”

Once a permanent president has been found for the university, Schoolcraft said all administrators will return to their previous positions, including Lyman. For now, Schoolcraft said they are moving forward as efficiently as possible.

“Barbara talked about maintaining momentum, so by doing these things we hope to keep SU moving forward with the least amount of disruption,” Schoolcraft said.

SU and PASSHE will continue their search for the university’s next president in the upcoming weeks.

In an email sent to students on Friday, SU Vice President of Student Affairs Roger Serr invited students to a listening session to incorporate student concerns and requests into the search, and to determine what qualities SU students would like to see in their next president. The session will be held tomorrow at noon in the Ceddia Union Building’s Orndorff Theatre. Those who cannot attend the session are encouraged to answer several survey questions at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ShipPresQualities17.

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