Penn State Fayette students bid fareweill to chancellor
Nearly 100 faculty and staff of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, bid farewell to outgoing campus chancellor Dr. Gregory Gray with a vigorous round of applause Thursday and welcomed his replacement, Dr. Sandy Smith, a 15-year veteran employee of the campus. Addressing faculty and staff for a final time before he assumes his new role as president of the Miami Dade College Kendall Campus in Florida at a “Welcome Back” ceremony for faculty and staff, Gray looked to the campus’ bright future as student enrollment hits a historic high-mark this semester, translating into increased finances for the campus.
Enrollment should reach 1,200 students by this year’s start of classes on Tuesday, and the campus will keep 70 percent of the tuition it generates, said Gray.
“All of this will help this learning community fulfill its destiny,” Gray said. “My years here were the best, but the best is yet to come (for this campus).
“This campus has become a prominent social, economical and cultural part of the county,” he added. “It’s a great time to be here.”
And, Gray wished Smith the best as interim chancellor, a role she will begin today with plans to continue the progress started under the former chancellor’s leadership.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to grow professionally and to help the campus with its dynamic and continued growth in academic and student programming,” said Smith, adding she also intends to keep the campus’ relationship with the community strong and vibrant.
Smith, 47, was one in a pool of candidates nominated for the interim position by Penn State Fayette faculty and staff. She said Dr. John Romano, vice president of Penn State’s commonwealth campuses, requested her resume and contacted her for an interview in August.
The Blairsville, Indiana County, native who holds a doctorate degree from Ohio State University worked her way up through the faculty and administrative ranks at Penn State Fayette.
She began her campus career as an instructor in exercise and sport science and was promoted to assistant professor of kinesiology after receiving her degree. She earned tenure in 1999, at which time she was promoted to associate professor. She also has served as coach of the campus women’s volleyball and softball teams and campus chief academic officer.
She leaves her position of director of student and enrollment services to assume the role as interim chancellor until a permanent chancellor is appointed after the completion of a national search.
She said as the campus enters into an important search for Gray’s permanent successor, she will assist with a smooth and productive transition for the new hire. She is undecided about applying for the permanent position, she said.
She also looks forward to learning new skills in leadership and the opportunity to work with the entire faculty and staff as the campus’ commitment to excellence in higher education continues.
She said Penn State Fayette is full of outstanding faculty and staff.
“I’ve coached many different teams…,” she said, “but this team before me is full of winners.”