In her higher education career embarking on a new chapter, Karen M.
Whitney, vice chancellor for student life and dean of students at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), will become the next president of Clarion University Thursday. She succeeds Joseph P. Grunenwald, who served Clarion in various positions for more than 30 years including the last seven as president. A perticular meet and greet with
Whitney was held Tuesday."Clarion University is a great campus," she said, adding that it's a small university with a big impact. Throughout her 30 years in higher education,
Whitney said she has met Clarion graduates. She said the students speak of the quality of their experience at the university.
Whitney has been vice chancellor and dean of students at the 30,000 student IUPUI since 1999. Previously, she was associate vice president for student life at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She began her academic career as an instructor at the University of
Houston in 1980.She earned both a bachelor's of art degree in psychology and a master's degree in public administration from the University of
Houston and a doctoral degree in higher educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Several reasons attracted
Whitney to the area and the position, but a main reason was the stance the university took on its commitment to benefit the entire community. She said the fact the university is dedicated to continuing is commitment is what made her want to try for the position. Even though her first official day isn't until July 19,
Whitney said she wanted to come to the area and to the campus early to meet people."For the first 90 days, I'll be hitting the ground listening,"
Whitney said, adding that by getting to know the people around her, she hopes to advance the university. After the first 90 days, Whitney said she will issue her 500 day plan. "I've got a lot of ideas and I like to talk them through," she said, explaining that she knows she will get more than an ear full during her first 90 days. Since spending some tine at Clarion,
Whitney said she has noticed strengths of the university - starting with its commitment to teaching. Also,
Whitney added, she often hears people say, "I love Clarion.""It's personal and beyond anything I've seen,"
Whitney said.While she's excited to start her new adventure as president of Clarion, she can't help but to be nervous following Grunenwald."The guy is a legend,"
Whitney said, explaining that Grunenwald has played every position in the field. Before taking her new position,
Whitney said she did research on Clarion. She said enrollment numbers for Clarion are growing and that could be attributed to thoughtful leadership."Clarion is a financially sound university, she said,"
Whitney said, adding "that doesn't happen by accident. It's a real quality indicator".
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