Frank Brogan retires as PASSHE chancellor of education

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) will begin searching for a new chancellor of education following the announcement of current Chancellor Frank Brogan’s plans to retire Sept. 1.

The Board of Governors will determine who will temporarily serve as chancellor until a permanent selection has been made, according to a PASSHE press release.

“I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done to better serve students today and far into the future,” Brogan said after announcing his decision to retire at last week’s Board of Governors meeting. “This is the System’s opportunity to make bold choices that will ensure our universities are here to meet the needs of our current and future students and the Commonwealth for decades to come.”

Before serving as chancellor, Brogan served as chancellor of Florida’s university state system, president of Florida Atlantic University, and ~~as well as~~ lieutenant governor and secretary of education of Florida.

Since becoming PASSHE’s chancellor in 2013, Brogan helped to adopt a new strategic plan focusing on each state university’s commitment to academic excellence, according to the press release. He also oversaw contract negotiations between PASSHE and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF) during the three-day faculty strike in October.

“Leadership changes often provide opportunities for constructive changes,” APSCUF president Kenneth Mash said in an APSCUF press release. “We [APSCUF] are anxious to work with the System so that we can fulfill the System’s mission to provide all Pennsylvanians with access to a high-quality education at an affordable cost.”

As PASSHE searches for Brogan’s replacement, Brogan said he is confident each university has the tools it needs to build better learning environments for current and future students.

“Though there is more work to be done, we didn’t expect to achieve so much, so quickly,” Brogan said. “While there is never a perfect time for a transition such as this, my family and I know we leave behind a system that is primed for the future, led by a team that is committed to making sure our students always come first.”