Academics

Penn State Fayette Chancellor honored with achievement award

Francis Kofi Achampong, chancellor of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, was named to TALK Magazine’s 2011 salute to Minority Achievers. For the past 37 years, the magazine has honored minorities “who have made outstanding contributions in their professions.” It is the hope of the magazine that the award recipients will inspire others.

Achampong, a naturalized American, received a bachelor of laws degree (magna cum laude) from the University of Ghana, two master of laws degrees from both the University of London and Georgetown University, and a doctorate in law from the University of London. He is licensed to practice law in New York and Virginia and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. Achampong holds a Certificate in Management and Leadership in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education and served as a Fellow of the American Council on Education.

Before becoming chancellor at Penn State Fayette, he served as chief academic officer at Penn State’s Mont Alto campus for eight years. Additionally, he served in various capacities, including professor, department head, and interim dean at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va. As a professor he published a book on sexual harassment law and many articles, a number of which were cited by other scholars and two federal courts. He began his career in higher education as an assistant professor at Howard University’s School of Business.

“It is a privilege to have worked in higher education for the past three decades and to have had the opportunity to impact the lives of faculty, staff and students and contribute to the advancement of our democracy through the development of intellectual capital,” said Achampong.

Achampong is actively involved in Fayette County and serves as a member of the board of Fay-Penn Economic Development Council and the Westmoreland-Fayette Workshop Investment Board. He has positioned Penn State Fayette as a leader in generating discussion on important social issues and has welcomed and hosted forums on Marcellus Shale, American Cancer Society and Pittsburgh Ballet performances, among others. He has recently hosted and testified before the House Democratic Planning Committee on the effects of funding cuts on education.

“It is an honor to be recognized and selected by Talk Magazine in its annual tribute to minority achievers for what I consider to be not just my occupation or my life’s work but my calling and gift to society,” said Achampong.

Dr. Curtiss Porter, chancellor of Penn State Greater Allegheny congratulates Dr. Francis Achampong upon the receiving of his award. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated January 9, 2015

Contact