New Chancellor Named at Penn State's McKeesport Campus

By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
April 27, 2017
Posted in: Announcements

(Penn State University photo)

After little more than a year, Andrew Egan has resigned as chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus in McKeesport.

Penn State on Thursday announced Egan's resignation and the appointment of Jacqueline Edmondson, Penn State associate vice president and associate dean for undergraduate education, as the new chancellor and chief academic officer for the 600 student undergraduate campus.

Edmondson has been appointed for a three-year term and will lead a national search for her own permanent replacement, the university said in a statement.

“Jackie brings tremendous knowledge of the university to this position, along with her experience as an accomplished leader in program and curriculum development, and general education," said Madlyn Hanes, Penn State vice president for commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor.

"She will provide excellent guidance and directions, with deep understanding of enrollment trends, the teaching-learning enterprise, and faculty development across the University,” Hanes said. “Jackie also appreciates the importance of our campuses to their respective communities, and the good that comes from collaborative ventures.”

Egan's resignation is effective April 30. A 1993 Penn State graduate, he came to Greater Allegheny in February 2016 after serving as dean of the faculty of science and acting associate vice president for research at Brandon University in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.

Penn State Greater Allegheny offers nine four-year degrees, along with the opportunity to start one of Penn State's 160-plus degrees at the McKeesport campus.

Edmondson is a highly regarded scholar and leader at Penn State, Hanes said.

“I am delighted for the Greater Allegheny campus that Jackie has accepted this new role," she said. "A three-year term will afford the campus community continuity and stability of leadership in advance of launching a national search."

Edmondson earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, a master of science degree in educational psychology and a bachelor of science degree in elementary and kindergarten education, all from Penn State.

She began her faculty career in 1998 at the University of Minnesota at Morris and returned to Penn State as an assistant professor of education in 2000, becoming a professor of education in 2012.

According to a Penn State spokesperson, Edmondson currently provides leadership for Penn State's Student Engagement Network with Barry Bram, Richard Smith and Mike Zeman, and co-chairs the Learning Spaces Leadership Committee.

“Penn State Greater Allegheny has such a rich and interesting history, and this is a wonderful time to join the campus,” Edmondson said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the students, faculty and staff to provide high-quality educational experiences for students and service to communities in the region.

"I also look forward to partnering with other Penn State campuses as we design new and innovative opportunities for our students," she said.

A Penn State spokesperson said that Edmondson will begin visiting the McKeesport campus weekly, beginning in May, to become better acquainted with the community and the advisory board. 

Critical initiatives at the campus include a new strategic plan and campus-community revitalization projects, the spokesperson said.

Originally published April 27, 2017.

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