UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State's interim assistant vice president for University Police and Public Safety has tendered his resignation because extension of his employment with the University would interfere with his retirement annuity currently in place with the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS). His last day at Penn State is July 31. Chief Tyrone Parham will serve as acting AVP until a permanent replacement is named.
Timothy Mercer, a former Pennsylvania State Police officer who retired in January 2015 with the rank of lieutenant colonel after 27 years with the state's highest law enforcement agency, was named to the University position in April 2015. Because of his previous employment with the state, Mercer was part of SERS and was only able to be hired on a 95-day emergency rehire provision.
"This is unfortunate but he cannot continue in his role at Penn State. Tim Mercer has done a phenomenal job in the short time he has been on board. He was, in fact, interested in applying to be the permanent AVP, but had to bow out of the search given the state regulations regarding retirement with SERS," said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business, who oversees Police and Public Safety.
On July 10, Mercer was hired as the new chief of police for Logan Township, Blair County, out of a pool of 35 candidates.
Gray said the national search continues for a permanent person to lead the 83-employee unit of University Police and Public Safety. To date, 90 candidates have applied for the position.
"I want to thank University leaders for providing me with this outstanding opportunity," Mercer said. "Penn State Police and Public Safety comprises an incredibly talented and professional group of individuals. I'm sad to be leaving, but look forward to the next chapter in my career. Based on my experience, I can assure the community that the future of this University department is very bright."