Clarion University has a new president.
Dean of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson was hired Wednesday by the State System of Education’s board of governors.
The 63-year-old will begin July 1 and will be paid a salary of $230,000. She will succeed Karen Whitney, who announced her retirement last year but has since been serving as the state system’s interim chancellor.
Dr. Pehrsson has been in her current role since 2012. She has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, beginning her academic career as an affiliate faculty member and clinical supervisor for counselor education at Idaho State University in 1991. She also has worked in the healthcare field, as both a counselor and registered nurse.
“Dr. Pehrsson has an extraordinary range of professional experience, as a teacher, practitioner and administrator in both higher education and healthcare,” said Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira. “Her extensive background and commitment to students will serve Clarion University well as it strives to advance its mission of serving students, the community and the commonwealth.”
As dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan, Dr. Pehrsson serves as the college’s chief executive and academic officer, initiating new programs, including the expansion of international programs, while advancing scholarship, research and other creative activity. She is responsible for recruitment, retention and advancement of faculty and oversees an annual budget of $40 million. She supervises five academic units; 10 education, service and research centers; and more than 230 faculty and staff.
“Dr. Pehrsson has a unique set of tools that makes her an ideal fit for Clarion University and its focus on professional programs,” said State System Interim Chancellor Karen M. Whitney, who served as Clarion’s president for seven years before assuming her current role in September. “They are a perfect match. I am certain Dale will be a great addition to both Clarion University and the State System. I am thrilled that she will be joining our leadership team.”
Dr. Pehrsson said she is excited about the opportunity to serve as Clarion’s next president.
“I am highly honored to have been chosen as the 17th president of Clarion University,” she said. “The strengths of the faculty, staff, community and stakeholders are inspiring. I will seek and welcome advice and support from all constituents. Clarion University has a strong reputation and I look forward to building on our long tradition of excellent teaching and service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Clarion is one of Pennsylvania’s 14 state schools, which also includes Slippery Rock, IUP, Edinboro and Cal U.
