H. Fred Walker named Edinboro University president
May 24, 2016
WALKER
HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education has named H. Fred Walker as the next president of Edinboro University, effective July 1.
Walker is dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology, a position he has held since 2008. He previously was a professor and chair of the department of technology at the University of Southern Maine. He also served for nearly a decade in the U.S. Navy.
"Dr. Walker is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience as a faculty member and college administrator," said Board of Governors Chair Guido Pichini. "With his vast array of skills, his knowledge and his experience, we are confident he will be an excellent leader for Edinboro."
During his tenure at RIT, Walker has been responsible for a variety of major initiatives, including development and implementation of professional development and mentorship programs for faculty and staff and a comprehensive strategy to enhance diversity and inclusivity throughout the college for women, African American, Latino American and Native American faculty, staff and students. He has also had direct responsibility for fundraising, curriculum development, accreditation, budgeting and financing and strategic planning.
"Dr. Walker has successfully handled a wide range of responsibilities throughout his impressive academic career," said State System Chancellor Frank Brogan. "That experience will prove invaluable as he takes on the opportunity of leading Edinboro as it's next president. He will be a valuable addition to our presidential leadership team and I look forward to working with him on behalf of the university and the State System."
Walker said he is "truly honored" to serve Edinboro and the State System communities.
"In our time visiting EU, it was clear to my wife (Susan) and I, the many points of pride and accomplishments of the EU community," said Walker. "These points of pride and accomplishments, a sound strategic plan and a common sense of purpose are wonderful starting points in our work together.
"As a community we will work together while maintaining a work-life balance and common values. I am confident that our goodwill, collegiality, shared governance, strategic decision making and perseverance will bring EU to a new level of distinction."
The Board's action comes at the conclusion of a national search for a successor to Julie Wollman, who departed Edinboro earlier this year to become president of Widener University in Chester.
Walker earned a bachelor's degree in industrial technology from California State University-Fresno, a Master of Business Administration from Cal State, a Master of Engineering in systems engineering and a Ph.D. in industrial education and technology, both from Iowa State University. He also earned a minor in rhetoric and professional communication from Iowa State and has a certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Edinboro University was founded in 1857 as a private training school for teachers. It has grown into the northwestern Pennsylvania region's largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education, enrolling nearly 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students and offering programs in more than 100 areas of academic study.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kenn Marshall | 717.720.4045 | kmarshall@passhe.edu