Point Park University taps Georgia educator as new president
Point Park University has named Donald J. Green as the university’s eighth president.
Mr. Green, who will take on the role this summer, is currently president of Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Ga., a six-site state college within the University System of Georgia, according to a release from the university.
“Among a group of highly qualified and diverse candidates, Dr. Green’s commitment to educational excellence, diversity and fiscal responsibility stood out,” said Joe Greco, chairman of Point Park’s board of trustees. “His long career of university-level leadership and his ability to form strong internal and external partnerships will serve the Point Park University community well.”
Mr. Green, who succeeds Paul Hennigan as he retires after 16 years as president, has 25 years of leadership in education, including 13 years at a state university, six years at a private university and six more at a state college. Prior to Georgia Highlands College, he spent 15 years in several leadership roles at Ferris State University in Michigan.
“President Green’s outstanding work has emphasized student success both in the classroom and in the workforce, helping GHC expand its degree programs and carry out its mission as an access point to higher education,” University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “Don has been an excellent leader who helped GHC positively impact the communities it serves and set an example that will benefit the college and students for years to come.”
During his time at Georgia Highlands, Mr. Green led an institutional turnaround, including enrollment, retention, employee compensation and an improvement in the college’s financial condition, according to Point Park. He also oversaw increased enrollment, retention and graduation rates for students of color and created an outreach campaign to the Hispanic community in Georgia that led to a dramatic increase in student enrollment.
“I firmly believe a university needs to ensure that it is providing equal care and service to all members of its community, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual identity. Just as important is economic equity and doing what we can to make higher education available and affordable to all people,” Mr. Green said.