University Park, Pa. - Penn State's Board of Trustees on Sept. 7 announced the reappointment of Penn State President Graham B. Spanier for another five-year term. Spanier was named president in 1995.
"Graham Spanier is one of the truly exceptional presidents in higher education today," said Jim Broadhurst, chairman of Penn State's Board of Trustees. "His leadership over the past 12 years has taken Penn State to new heights in teaching, research and outreach, while effectively overseeing the largest capital construction program in the history of the University. He is very good at approaching important decisions strategically, managing large amounts of detailed information, and enhancing the culture in a student-centered environment."
Spanier oversees one of the most comprehensive universities in the nation, with 24 campuses, 89,050 students, 39,464 employees, 1,700 buildings, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and a broad array of academic and research programs.
"I am honored to continue to have this opportunity to lead Penn State," Spanier said. "Leading one of America's greatest universities is a privilege. I look forward to continuing my work with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students."
Under Spanier's tenure, Penn State created the World Campus, established the Schreyer Honors College, launched the College of Information Sciences and Technology, expanded the Dickinson School of Law, and expanded Penn State's programs in teaching, research and service. In addition, a School of International Affairs has just been launched. Spanier has overseen the largest capital construction program in Penn State history.
Since 1995, when Spanier came on board, research expenditures have more than doubled from $344 million to more than $700 million today.
Over the 12-year period, applications to Penn State have increased from about 75,000 to nearly 100,000. Annual fundraising has more than doubled, Penn State's endowment has tripled, and minority enrollment has risen 58 percent. Throughout his tenure, Spanier has made increasing diversity an essential focus, believing that such progress enriches the classroom and educational experience for all.
Spanier has promoted increased internationalization of the University, elevated Penn State Cooperative Extension to expand outreach to citizens of Pennsylvania, and has overseen more than $2.3 billion in fund raising. He also has made it a goal that Penn State be a model student-centered university.
In addition, under Spanier's leadership, a number of strategic investments have been made in the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine. More than 832,500 square feet of new construction is being undertaken at the Medical Center, and every one in six applicants to medical school now applies to Penn State. Under his watch, the medical center has returned to solid financial performance, and total research support there has more than doubled to $100 million annually.
A highly visible leader in higher education across the United States, Spanier serves as vice chair of the Association of American Universities, is chair of the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, and is a member of the National Counterintelligence Working Group. He served as chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, co-chair of the Committee on Higher Education and the Entertainment Industry, and chair of the Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents/Chancellors. He served as chair of the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, led the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities, was a founding member of the Internet2 board, and served as vice chair of the Worldwide Universities Network.
Spanier's prior positions include chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Oregon State University, and vice provost for undergraduate studies at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He previously served Penn State from 1973-1982 as a member of the faculty and in three administrative positions in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development. He holds academic appointments as professor of human development and family studies, sociology, demography, and family and community medicine.
He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern University, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, and his bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State University, where he was honored with the Distinguished Achievement Citation and an honorary doctorate.
Sitting college and university presidents in the U.S. typically have served an average five to eight years, according to surveys. Spanier is now one of the senior university presidents in the country and is entering his 13th year at Penn State.
"We are all very proud of Graham's accomplishments over the past 12 years and look forward to our important work together for the betterment of Penn State and our faculty, staff, and students." Broadhurst said.
Spanier's annual salary under the new contract will be $590,000.