McCollum – Acting President at Millersville University

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McCollum

MILLERSVILLE, PA (01/30/2013)(readMedia)-- The chairman of the Council of Trustees for Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Michael G. Warfel, recently announced that Dr. James McCollum, executive deputy to the president and chief of staff, has been named acting president of Millersville University for the period of January 26 through April 1, when president-elect Dr. John Anderson will begin his duties as president. Dr. Francine G. McNairy recently retired after 10 years as president.

McCollum, from Youngstown, Ohio, earned a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron.

In accepting this position McCollum said, "I am honored to accept this temporary assignment. In order to assist a smooth transition between Dr. McNairy's departure and Dr. Anderson's arrival I will collaborate closely with cabinet and trustees, and work cooperatively with faculty and staff to ensure our students continue to receive an educational opportunity second to none and that normal University operations are managed effectively. We will all work closely with Dr. Anderson to facilitate his transition as our next president."

Prior to his arrival at Millersville University, McCollum served for 10 years as CEO of the inter-university council of Ohio (IUC), an education association representing the collective interests of the state's public universities. For more than 20 years he was associated with Youngstown State University as presidential assistant, governmental relations officer, head of the university relations unit, and as a state assistant attorney general and university legal counsel.

The chairman of the Pennsylvania State System Board of Higher Education, Guido Pichini, commented on the announcement, "The Board looks forward to Dr. Anderson becoming Millersville University's next president and is confident he will have great success on behalf of the entire campus community, especially its students. In the meantime it is important that the University continues to move forward under strong, consistent leadership. Dr. McCollum has demonstrated during his professional career he can fulfill this role during this transition period."

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked, public university located in the northeast region of the United States. It is committed to offering students a high quality, comprehensive university experience of exceptional value. Dedicated to providing nationally recognized programs that embrace the liberal arts, Millersville offers academic opportunities that are supported by outstanding faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners. Founded in 1855 as the first Normal School in Pennsylvania, Millersville University is one of 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.