Administration

Penn State president's new blog to better tell University story, build community

Launched Jan. 12, "Digging Deeper" will provide Penn State President Eric Barron, right, an opportunity to tell the Penn State story through his eyes, while showcasing the many accomplishments of the Penn State community and offering a glimpse of what daily life is like for himself and his wife, Molly, left. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Already a fixture at University events, Penn State President Eric Barron is now in the blogosphere.As Penn State’s 18th president, Barron becomes the University’s first to have a blog, which will launch Jan. 12.“I’m excited to be able to talk with Penn Staters in another format,” Barron said. “As I make my rounds, I’m witnessing thrilling examples of our research prowess, witnessing inspiring efforts by our students in the classroom and beyond, and hearing touching stories about what this University means to so many people. I want readers to see what I see on a regular basis. I want them to hear the accolades I hear on a regular basis. I think a blog is exactly the platform I need to better tell the Penn State story.”"Digging Deeper," the blog's title, was chosen as a play on Barron’s background as a geologist and researcher who has worked to understand the history of our planet. An accomplished scientist with an extensive background in atmospheric research as well, Barron is intensely interested in the earth and its systems, rocks, minerals, resources, climate, and the processes by which they change.The title also is an indication of Barron’s desire to delve into issues impacting Penn State, the nation and the world.“‘Digging Deeper’ will be an outlet for me to roll up my sleeves and offer a deeper view of what’s happening at Penn State and beyond,” Barron said.According to Barron, several monthly blog entries will provide him another way to showcase exceptional Penn Staters, shine more light on decision making at the administrative level, and give a glimpse of his day-to-day activities.Barron will become part of an increasing number of higher education leaders using social media — by one account, 46 percent are using social media in an official capacity with 14 percent choosing to write blogs. "As the means for communication expand, leaders need to seize the opportunity to build connections," Barron said. "I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the public.”Upcoming posts will be promoted on news.psu.edu, as well as on email Headlines Issues, in Penn State Today and on social media.Barron previously served as dean of Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences from 2002 to 2006 and also was dean of the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin from 2006 to 2008. From 2008 to 2010, he was director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, University of Texas at Austin, and went on to become president of Florida State University, until taking over the presidency of Penn State in May 2014. Barron has nearly 35 years of leadership experience in academic administration, education, research, and public service.

Last Updated January 18, 2016