With Keene State College now led by Dr. Helen F. Giles-Gee, PSU under the leadership of Dr. Sara Jayne Steen, and the newly elected president of UNH, Dr. Mark Huddleston, assuming his position in July of 2007, the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees instituted an initiative to renovate each of the presidential houses.
Bill Crangle, Vice President of Financial Affairs at PSU, spoke on the subject, saying, “Fundraising is becoming a big role of the Presidents of Universities nationally, and President Steen is very interested in improving the University in all aspects.”
The $1.1 million was allocated by the Board to take the responsibility off the shoulders of the individual schools, using money that has been saved over the years for just such initiatives. PSU and KCS each received $300,000 and UNH was allocated $400,000.
“During the entire time that former President Wharton lived in the house, no refurbishment was done, so at the end of his 13-year term I called and asked Physical Plant to have a look at the house,” said Crangle.
Plymouth started planning the renovations last year, instituting a three-year-plan to refurbish Steen’s house this past summer. The summer of 2006 renovations included interior problems like flooring, replacing the electrical system, installing a new kitchen and replacing aging wallpaper.
Summer of 2007’s work will include replacing the currently rotting siding of the house and painting the entire exterior. Next summer, the school plans to use the remainder of the allocated funds to replace the nearly 100-year-old slate roof.
“The roof was inspected and was found to be cracking in places and leaking a bit so we decided that it was in need of replacement,” said Crangle.
By fall semester of 2008, the President’s house will be finished and ready to entertain guests, student and community members alike.