PLYMOUTH – It was announced to the public yesterday, by Chancellor Reno, that Dr. Sara Jayne Steen will be the next president of Plymouth State University (PSU).
On the morning of April 20, the members of the USNH Board of Trustees gave a unanimous vote in the affirmative for the 14th president of Plymouth State University, Dr. Steen.
“In the life and history of a university there are few occasions more important than the appointment of a new president,” said Chancellor Reno.
Dr. Steen is joining PSU after nearly 30 years of experience in higher education. Since 2003 Dr. Steen has been serving as the dean of College of Letters and Science at Montana State University (MSU).
This job entailed her oversight of 14 departments and numerous centers for specialized study.
“Dr. Steen’s extensive background in public higher education positions her to be an effective leader at Plymouth State University as the institution continues its transformation from a college to a comprehensive regional university,” said Eugene Savage, member of the USNH Board of trustees and chair of the search committee.
Dr. Steen received her B.S. in Education at Bowling Green State University in 1970, her M.A. in English at the Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. in English at Bowling Green State University in 1978.
From 1996 to 2002, Dr. Steen served as Chair of the English Department at MSU and has been a professor of English since 1989. In 1996 she received the President’s Distinguished Teaching Award from MSU.
In 2002, Dr. Steen was nominated by MSU and the American Council on Education for a year-long, in-residence fellowship to study higher education administration at the University of Delaware.
Dr. Steen was chosen from over 130 applicants because she is, according to Chancellor Reno, “A leader that leads by consensus, A person with excellent experience working with legislature and the media, and A person who brings graciousness and charm.”
Commitment is seen here at Plymouth State and Dr. Steen is pleased to join the community.
“I have been enormously impressed with the creativity and generosity of the Plymouth State community,” said Dr. Steen. “My husband, Joseph Bourke and I are excited to relocate here.”
Plymouth State has 42 majors and 62 minors, it has evolved from the Plymouth Normal School to the Plymouth Teaching School and now is a state university, the community is excited for what changes may come its way.
Dr. Steen will take her assume her position as the President of Plymouth State University on July 1, 2006 after President Wharton retires from his ever successful presidency of thirteen years.