PASSHE Selects JD Fisher as Interim President of PennWest University

Harrisburg, PA - The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) today selected James "JD" Fisher to serve as interim president of PennWest University, effective Aug. 10.

A native of western Pennsylvania, Fisher currently serves as interim vice chancellor and chief academic officer in the PASSHE Chancellor's Office. He has deep ties to PennWest as an Edinboro University graduate, longtime faculty member and university leader. Most recently, he served as PennWest's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"JD Fisher understands PennWest, its people and the campus communities it serves," said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "His extensive academic and leadership experience will provide continuity as the university builds on the progress being made across its three campuses."

Fisher previously served as PennWest's senior associate provost for academic administration, supporting academic leadership and coordination across the university. He also served as interim dean of the College of Social Sciences and Human Services.

Before the integration that created PennWest, Fisher held several leadership positions at Edinboro University, including interim provost and interim associate provost.

"JD's experience as a student, faculty member and academic leader has prepared him to lead with a clear sense of purpose," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "I am confident he will work collaboratively with the campus communities to advance PennWest's mission, deliver an excellent education to students and guide the university forward."

Fisher spent more than two decades as a professor of politics and legal studies at Edinboro, where he also served for six years as chair of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. His teaching and scholarly interests include constitutional law, American politics and political theory.

"Dr. Fisher's extensive experience at PennWest and deep understanding of our university make him exceptionally well prepared to lead during this transition," said J.D. Dunbar, chair of the PennWest Council of Trustees. "His collaborative approach and commitment to PennWest's students, faculty and staff have earned him respect across the university and throughout the State System. We are confident that his leadership will provide stability and momentum as we begin another inspiring and successful year at PennWest."

Fisher earned bachelor's degrees in political science and English from Edinboro University, a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from William & Mary Law School.

Fisher succeeds Jon Anderson, who concluded his service as PennWest president on Aug. 9 to become president of Utah Valley University.

About PASSHE
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is Pennsylvania's public university system, with a mission to provide high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students. State System universities award more than 20,000 degrees each year and have more than 800,000 living alumni, most of whom live in Pennsylvania.

The State System universities are Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, PennWest University, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University of Pennsylvania.