Chancellor Brogan announces retirement
Chancellor Frank T. Brogan announced he will retire Sept. 1 from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The Board of Governors will name interim leadership pending a national search for Brogan’s successor.
“From the moment he arrived, Chancellor Brogan has shined a bright light on the challenges facing our universities and the State System — prompting important public dialogue about the need to do things differently,” said Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira. “Because of his leadership, we are better positioned to make important decisions about the future of our System.”
Chancellor Brogan informed board members just prior to last week’s Board of Governors meeting of his decision to retire.
“We are all very sad to see Frank leave, but we can’t thank him enough for leading us through some very difficult days and creating an environment for real change,” said Board Vice Chair David M. Maser.
The chancellor and Board of Governors last year initiated an independent, comprehensive review of the System that resulted in a set of recommendations for the State System to consider as it develops an action plan for the future.
“The strategic system review is perhaps the most important effort this System has ever undertaken,” said Chancellor Brogan. “I’m extremely proud of the work we’ve done to better serve students today and far into the future. This is the System’s opportunity to make bold choices that will ensure our universities are here to meet the needs of our current and future students and the Commonwealth for decades to come, and beyond.
“While there is never a perfect time for a transition such as this, my family and I know we leave behind a system that is primed for the future, led by a team that is committed to making sure our students always come first.”
Since Chancellor Brogan’s appointment in 2013, the State System has refocused its efforts toward putting students first. Within months of his arrival, the Board of Governors adopted a new strategic plan focused on academic excellence, student success, financial stability and transparency. Nearly one-third of the objectives in “Strategic Plan 2020: Rising to the Challenge” already have been met — three years ahead of schedule — and measurable progress has been made on the vast majority of the others.
“Though there is more work to be done, we didn’t expect to achieve so much, so quickly,” Chancellor Brogan said. “Even amid some very serious challenges, the progress we have made on these goals proves that our universities are positioning themselves to better organize around student success.”
“Chancellor Brogan is a tireless champion for students, and it has been my honor to serve with him,” said Shaina Hilsey, student body president at California University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Board of Governors. “He has laid the foundation for the System’s future — one from which we, as students, will benefit for years to come.”
Prior to arriving at the State System, Brogan served as chancellor of the State University System of Florida, president of Florida Atlantic University, lieutenant governor of Florida and secretary of education of Florida. He began his career as a fifth grade teacher, then served as assistant principal, principal and superintendent of the Martin County School District in Florida.
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with a leader who is an educator at heart and who has worked at all levels of education,” said Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Michael A. Driscoll, who also serves as the chair of the presidents’ council for the 14 State System universities. “Frank’s passion for students and his vision for our ability to transform their lives through education guides every decision he makes.”
“We wanted a change agent when we asked Frank to come here four years ago, and we got one,” said Guido M. Pichini, chair emeritus of the Board of Governors. “While we are all deeply sad to see him leave, we all know that — because of his leadership, courage, and dedication — this System is better poised for success than when he arrived.”