UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a conference phone call today (Dec. 2), the executive committee of Penn State's Board of Trustees met to formally reaffirm and ratify personnel decisions made the week of Nov. 6. Due to extraordinary circumstances during that week, the Board of Trustees needed to act swiftly and decisively on University leadership matters. The decisions were reported at the board's regular public meeting Nov. 11.
The executive committee of the board met via conference call to reaffirm the deliberate leadership decisions that were made. The board stands behinds its personnel decisions. In its meeting, the executive committee adopted three resolutions:
-- Resolved, that in view of the situation and unfolding circumstances at Penn State, the Board of Trustees determined, and Dr. Graham B. Spanier concurred, that it was best for Dr. Spanier to step down as president, effective Nov. 9, 2011.
-- Resolved, that in the best interest of Penn State, the Board of Trustees determined that Joseph V. Paterno will no longer serve as head football coach effective Nov. 9, 2011.
-- Resolved, that the Board of Trustees hereby appoints Dr. Rodney A. Erickson as president of the Pennsylvania State University effective Nov. 9, 2011.
The board further affirmed "its complete confidence and support of President Erickson who accepted the challenge to lead the University at this important time, and believes that he will provide the necessary stability and direction as we pursue our University's land grant mission of education, research and outreach."
Minutes from the meeting can be found at http://www.psu.edu/trustees/agenda/minutesdecember22011.html online.