Since Frank Brogan’s departure in September 2017, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) searched for a new chancellor.
Daniel Greenstein was named the next chancellor in May 2018 after a nationwide search, and began his tenure on Sept. 4.
Greenstein earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Pennsylvania. He also studied at the London School of Economics and earned a Ph.D. in social studies from Oxford University.
Greenstein’s long list of experience in higher education includes holding a top administrative position in the University of California education system, as well as serving as a senior adviser for U.S. education programs at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provides more than $125 million toward public education in grants and contracts annually.
In a PASSHE press release, Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira called the selection of Greenstein a “game changer that will move the State System to the forefront of public university systems in the United States.”
Shapira continued, “Dan comes to us with an incredible level of knowledge and experience and the demonstrated temperament necessary to achieve great things. He will use all of that to help achieve excellence for our students and stakeholders, and — indeed — to write the template for 21st century public higher education in the nation.”
In the release, Greenstein told PASSHE students, “Student success is more than just graduating with a degree; it means leaving one of our universities fully prepared with everything you need — the education, the skills and the ability to work collaboratively — to productively engage in the new economy and to effectively contribute to your communities.
He added, “And let me be crystal clear, I do mean all of our students; regardless of zip code or background, all must and all will have an opportunity to succeed.”
Greenstein also emphasized the importance of success of the students for the Pennsylvania citizens.
“Ninety percent of our students are residents who stay here to live and work after they graduate, making our universities the engines that drive economic development and strengthen the very fabric of our society,” he said.
Greenstein’s appointment is only the first step in a complete PASSHE overhaul. In a recent press release, PASSHE announced it is trying to “align their academic programs with regional workforce needs...and achieve regional affordability.”
Greenstein is schedule to visit Shippensburg University on Sept. 25.
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