The following is a press release sent out from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) on June 25:Date: June 25, 2007
For release: Immediately
From: Kenn Marshall
PASSHE Chancellor Judy G. Hample plans to leave by July 2008
Harrisburg – Dr. Judy G. Hample, who has served as chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) since August 2001, has informed PASSHE’s Board of Governors that she plans to leave her position no later than July 31, 2008.
“It has been my goal since coming to Pennsylvania to help improve the quality and value of the education students receive at each of the PASSHE Universities,” Dr. Hample said. “I am proud of the tremendous progress we have made, working together with the Board of Governors, the Councils of Trustees, the University presidents and the outstanding faculty and staff on all of the campuses and in the Office of the Chancellor.
“The exceptional accomplishments of the past six years are undeniable and have proven to skeptics and proponents alike that PASSHE can and will deliver results. I believe that PASSHE is now well on its way toward living up to the expectations of a high-performing ‘system’ in the manner that matters most – providing a high quality educational experience by leveraging the talent and resources of 14 independent institutions.”
Board of Governors Chairman Kenneth M. Jarin praised Dr. Hample’s outstanding service, which, he said, “has led PASSHE to the next level of excellence.”
“The implementation of the System Accountability Program and the expansion of performance funding have made PASSHE a national model,” Mr. Jarin said. “Record-setting enrollment, improved student retention and graduation rates, enhancement of the ethnic and racial diversity of PASSHE students and campuses, higher quality academic programming and the selection of talented, ethnically and gender diverse university presidents are only a few examples of Chancellor Hample’s commitment and drive to make PASSHE Universities the best value in higher education in Pennsylvania.”
“Dr. Hample’s tenure has been marked with clear improvement in every facet of the PASSHE system,” said Governor Edward G. Rendell. “She has done an excellent job in helping PASSHE hold tuition increases under the rate of inflation, something that has been achieved by very few state systems.”
PASSHE set its all-time enrollment record in Fall 2002 and has broken it every year since. With a current enrollment of more than 109,000 students, PASSHE is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. The Universities also are enrolling more minority students than ever before and more students majoring in high-demand math, science and technology programs and in a variety of healthcare-related fields, including nursing.
Not only are more students enrolling in the state-owned Universities, but a higher percentage of them are staying and earning their degrees. Student retention rates have increased for all students, most significantly for Black and Hispanic students. The four-year graduation rate, while declining nationally, has increased overall at PASSHE Universities by 26 percent since 2001, and at individual Universities by as much as 49 percent. The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded by the 14 PASSHE Universities has increased by 18 percent and the number of master’s degrees awarded, by nearly 30 percent, over that same time.
The Universities also have enhanced the quality of programs they offer. More than three-fourths of PASSHE programs eligible for accreditation by professional organizations are now accredited, up from about one-half of eligible programs just three years ago. Students who graduate from accredited programs have enhanced career opportunities and also are more competitive when applying to graduate schools.
Two PASSHE Universities – Clarion and Indiana Universities of Pennsylvania – now have more than 90 percent of their eligible programs accredited. Seven of the Universities have received accreditation for more than 80 percent of their eligible programs compared to only two institutions achieving that mark in 2004.
The System Accountability Plan and Performance Funding Program have helped fuel much of the Universities’ success. The amount of funding awarded to the Universities based on their performance has been increased from $4.5 million in 2001-02 to $34.7 million in 2006-07.
Several other changes developed under Dr. Hample’s leadership also have benefited PASSHE students.
PASSHE’s Board of Governors in April 2002 adopted new graduation requirements, which have enabled most PASSHE students who earn 15 credits per semester – in most cases, by taking five courses – to earn their degree in four years. The action also required Universities to review all of their academic programs to ensure all course requirements were appropriate to today’s workforce needs.
Three months later, the Board adopted the first common academic calendar for the 14 PASSHE Universities. The common calendar makes it more convenient for students enrolled at any of the PASSHE Universities to take classes at another campus simultaneously. The move has been praised by many faculty who credit it for enabling them to develop collaborative programs with their colleagues at other PASSHE schools.
The many initiatives developed under Dr. Hample’s leadership were melded into a new, five-year strategic plan that was adopted by the Board of Governors in July 2004. The plan established goals in five core areas – student achievement and success, University and System excellence, Commonwealth service, resource development and stewardship and public leadership. It includes specific, measurable targets, as well as a variety of qualitative measures.
The Board also adopted a new diversity plan in January 2006 designed to mesh with and complement PASSHE’s overall strategic plan. It recognizes diversity as a key element in the intellectual and interpersonal development of PASSHE students and seeks to enhance academic quality, strengthen communities, foster and promote citizenship and respect and strengthen economic prosperity.
Dr. Hample became PASSHE chancellor after serving in a similar position in Florida. She has served on numerous national panels during her tenure, and, in August 2005, was asked by Governor Edward G. Rendell to co-chair the Governor’s Commission on College and Career Success. The group of educators, business representatives and educational advocates was asked to review research and make recommendations to ensure that today’s high school graduates are prepared to be the citizens and workers that the Commonwealth’s economy demands. The Commission submitted its final report, including a dozen recommendations, in December 2006.
With more than 109,000 students, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Approximately 405,000 PASSHE alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.
The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.