EDINBORO — Pennsylvania Western University is starting its search for a new president.
University trustees on Monday approved a committee to lead the search for a president to succeed Lorraine Bernotsky, who has served as interim PennWest president for the past year. Bernotsky will begin duties as West Chester University president July 1.
The 25-member presidential search committee is larger than standard Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education search committees. That’s because university trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and unions each appointed three members to the committee to represent the university’s Edinboro, Clarion and California campuses.
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The former Edinboro, Clarion and California universities were consolidated as Pennsylvania Western University in July 2022.
“A waiver from the office of the (PASSHE) chancellor allows us to make our search committee broader to reach the three campuses and to ensure that all voices are heard and considered,” PennWest Council of Trustees Chairwoman Kathy Pape said. Pape is one of five trustees representing the Edinboro campus on the 15-member Council of Trustees.