DUNMORE, Pa. — Marwan A. Wafa, who has more than 20 years of academic leadership experience including his current position as vice chancellor and dean of Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), has been named chancellor of Penn State Worthington Scranton.
“The breadth of Dr. Wafa’s experience as a leader in higher education, including long-range administrative and academic planning and building partnerships with the private sector, is extensive. He has been an effective leader in promoting academic success and entrepreneurial initiatives within his college and in response to the emerging educational needs of the surrounding region,” said Madlyn Hanes, Penn State vice president for Commonwealth Campuses. “We will benefit from his broad range of experience and commitment to student learning.”
Wafa’s appointment is effective July 1, 2015. In August 2014, Chancellor Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen announced that she would retire June 30, 2015.
Wafa said he is excited about working with faculty, staff, students and University leadership to build on the successes at Penn State Worthington Scranton.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as chancellor of such a vibrant campus,” Wafa said. “Penn State Worthington Scranton serves a dynamic and growing population of students, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring my experiences in the private sector and higher education to continue that growth, and build on past successes while working closely with the community to address regional market needs.”
After joining IUPUC, Wafa led the development of a long-range strategic plan that is aligned with the small campus learning environment and reflects the needs of the community. Wafa’s initiatives include successfully promoting international enrollment at IUPUC; establishing a campus-wide student research development fund to encourage student research; and launching the Center for Business and Economic Development in 2010 to encourage initiatives between the private sector and faculty and students.
During his nearly six years as CEO and vice chancellor of IUPUC, Wafa has overseen growing enrollment and graduating classes, as well as the expansion of the degree programs offered, including the launch of a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in fall 2010, master’s in mental health counseling in 2011, bachelor’s in communications studies in 2014, and the ongoing work to add bachelor’s degrees in sociology and biology.
Before becoming vice chancellor at IUPUC, Wafa served as dean of the College of Business and Management at Saginaw Valley State University, and dean of the School of Business and Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He spent 14 years at the University of Southern Indiana, including two as associate dean and director of the master of business administration (MBA) program in the School of Business. In addition to having served in a number of academic leadership positions, Wafa has extensive teaching experience, including courses in financial leadership management, operations management, statistical quality control and business statistics. He has served as a civil engineer, a consultant to the private sector and has been published extensively in academic journals.
In his new position, Wafa will also hold the rank of professor of management.
Wafa earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Kuwait University and a master’s in management and doctorate in industrial management from Clemson University.
Penn State Worthington Scranton, a 45-acre campus outside of Scranton, has 1,200 students, 30 percent of whom are adult students. The campus offers 10 baccalaureate and four associate degrees, with plans to grow programs offered to 15 degrees.