Changes in Administration

Mark Fischler, the Dean of First Year Students, will be serving as the interim Vice President for one year while the University searches for an associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. During his time as interim Vice President, Mr. Fischler will retain his duties as the Dean of First Year Students.

During the same week, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Julie Bernier, announced that she will be returning to the classroom. Before becoming the Provost in 2006, Bernier taught in the Health and Human Performance department. When asked about her decision, Dr. Bernier said, “I've been thinking for several months that I'd like to return to the classroom. I love working with students and I'm looking forward to having more time to spend with them. I let the campus know on April 4 that I would be returning to the faculty.”

There will not be an interim Provost appointed, instead the academic deans for the three colleges Dr. Robyn Parker, Dr. Gail Mears, and Dr. Cynthia Vascak will lead the academic affairs office next year.

During her years at PSU, Dr. Bernier has been awarded multiple teaching awards. In 2001, she was the winner for the National Athletic Trainer’s Multimedia Award for outstanding course design. In 2003, Bernier was awarded PSU’s Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award.

Due to their prominent roles here at campus, it seemed like there were major changes going on in administration, however both Dr. Hundrieser and Dr. Bernier leaving at the same time are simply coincidences. Dr. Hundreiser said in regards to the transition and any potential impact on the student body, “We don't think there will be any changes for the student body. Our goal is to create a seamless transition so that students continue to have a quality and high impact experience.” We here at Plymouth State are saddened to see Dr. Hundrieser leave us and wish him the best, and welcome Dr. Bernier back into teaching.