McKEESPORT, Pa. — Jacqueline Edmondson, associate vice president and associate dean for Undergraduate Education at Penn State, has been appointed as the next chancellor and chief academic officer for the Greater Allegheny campus, beginning June 1.
Edmondson will assume the position at Greater Allegheny for a three-year term, replacing Andrew Egan, who resigned as chancellor effective April 30. A national search will be launched during her term for a permanent replacement for the campus in western Pennsylvania that serves about 600 undergraduate students and offers nine four-year degrees, along with the opportunity to start at that location one of Penn State's 160-plus degrees.
“Jackie brings tremendous knowledge of the University to this position, along with her experience as an accomplished leader in program and curriculum development, and general education. She will provide excellent guidance and directions, with deep understanding of enrollment trends, the teaching-learning enterprise, and faculty development across the University,” said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “Jackie also appreciates the importance of our campuses to their respective communities, and the good that comes from collaborative ventures.”
Hanes also said that Edmondson is a highly regarded scholar and leader at Penn State.
“I am delighted for the Greater Allegheny campus that Jackie has accepted this new role. A three-year term will afford the campus community continuity and stability of leadership in advance of launching a national search,” Hanes said.
Edmondson was named associate vice president and associate dean for Undergraduate Education at Penn State in June 2013. From 2009 to 2013, she served as associate dean for undergraduate and graduate studies in the College of Education; and from 2007 to 2009 she was the associate dean for teacher education and undergraduate programs in the college. She began her Penn State career as an assistant professor of education in 2000, becoming a professor of education in 2012. Edmondson began her faculty career in 1998 at the University of Minnesota Morris.
She currently provides leadership for the Student Engagement Network with Barry Bram, Richard Smith and Mike Zeman. She co-chairs the Learning Spaces Leadership Committee, and she serves on the Joint Senate Committee on General Education Assessment. She’s also the current co-chair of Penn State Reads, the program where a common book for all first-year students is selected to be read as a way to help incoming students connect to the University through a book.
“Penn State Greater Allegheny has such a rich and interesting history, and this is a wonderful time to join the campus,” Edmondson said. “I look forward to working with the students, faculty and staff to provide high-quality educational experiences for students and service to communities in the region. I also look forward to partnering with other Penn State campuses as we design new and innovative opportunities for our students.”
Edmondson earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, a master of science degree in educational psychology and a bachelor of science degree in elementary and kindergarten education, all from Penn State.
Edmondson will visit Greater Allegheny weekly in May to become better acquainted with the campus community and the campus advisory board. Critical initiatives at the campus include a new strategic plan and campus/community revitalization projects.