Yaasmeen Piper
Editor-in-Chief
Kenneth Long will serve as ESU’s interim president, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or PASSHE Board of Governors decided during a conference call today. Long currently serves as vice president of administration and finance and will replace President Marcia Welsh after she retires on July 31.
“We’re fortunate Mr. Long will guide East Stroudsburg through this time of transition and continue the forward momentum the university has built,” said Board of Governors Chair Cindy Shapira in an official ESU press release. “He brings enormous experience and leadership qualities to the position, and his time as a fellow Warrior will mean steadiness and stability for the campus during this transition.”
Long joined ESU as the vice president of administration and finance in 2013 after five years as vice president of administration and finance at Kutztown University. Before joining the State System, Long held positions at the University of Toledo and Devry University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in math and political science from Drew University in Madison, N.J., and an M.B.A. from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J.
Long will serve as interim president until the search for a permanent replacement for President Welsh is complete.
President Welsh announced her retirement on January 17, 2020 in an official ESU email.
“My decision to leave ESU has weighed heavily on me,” President Welsh wrote in the email. “While my commitment to each of you and your success continues to be my top priority, I recognize that I am in a place in my life when I want to look forward to spending more time with my own family, my husband, my children and my grandchildren.”
“Marcia’s dedication to East Stroudsburg, her passion for the institution and it’s place among the State System, has earned our admiration and gratitude, and that of Warriors everywhere,” said PASSHE Chancellor Greenstein. “Because we are taking this action months before she completes her term as president, Marcia and Ken will be able to ensure a smooth transition in July, which is especially true given the challenges we are all facing with the COVID-19 crisis.”
Email Yaasmeen at:
ypiper@live.esu.edu
