Strasser Announces Decision To Step Down
As Dean Of Commonwealth College; Leathers To Be Interim Dean

May 5, 2000
University Park, Pa. - Joseph C. Strasser, dean of Penn State's Commonwealth College, announced today (May 5) that he would retire from Penn State to return to the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., to become executive director of the Naval War College Foundation, effective July 15. Strasser served as president of the War College from 1990 to 1995, when he joined Penn State as campus executive officer for Penn State DuBois.

"We are very sorry to see Joe leave as he has accomplished so much for Penn State, particularly in his three-year tenure as the first dean of the Commonwealth College. He has been especially successful in bringing a solid administrative structure to the 12-campus college and introducing innovative degree programs for undergraduates," said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost for Penn State.

"This has not been an easy decision for me," said Strasser. "I have developed a great affection for Penn State and a great pride in the Commonwealth College. However, because of family and other considerations and because the College is well on its way, this is the best time for me to step aside and allow a new dean to take on the challenges of lifting it to the next level."

Since Strasser became dean in 1997, the College has been reorganized into divisions by academic discipline and 10 of the 12 campus executive officers are new. In addition, aggressive hiring of new faculty and staff has enabled the College to focus on enhancing academic quality, increasing access to higher education, especially for adults and minorities, and providing additional student services. He also led successful fundraising campaigns to support campus scholarships, academic programs, and facilities.

The College has added new baccalaureate degree programs in business, human development and family studies, occupational therapy and information sciences and technology. It has also added new associate degree programs, such as information science and technology, and a number of new minors. Staying within its original plans, the College has had modest enrollment growth from 1996 to 1999, with an emphasis on growth in selected baccalaureate programs.

The Commonwealth College was established in 1996 when Penn State reorganized its Commonwealth Educational System to better respond to community needs and to offer a limited number of four-year programs to students who need or want to continue upper-division studies at that location. The College includes the Beaver, Delaware County, DuBois, Fayette, Hazleton, McKeesport, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, Worthington Scranton and York campuses. Information on these campuses can be found at http://www.cwc.psu.edu/.

As CEO of Penn State DuBois from 1995 to 1997, Strasser was responsible for the administration of all campus programs, including initiatives that resulted in additional enrollment, the introduction of new degree programs, a major upgrade in campus technology and physical plant, and a successful fundraising campaign. In the 1996 academic year, he also served on the University-wide campus reorganization steering committee.

Before joining Penn State, Strasser had a long and successful career in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of rear admiral. As president of the Naval War College, he oversaw the accreditation of a master's degree program in national security and strategic studies and was responsible for a budget of $22 million. He also served as senior commander and staff executive in a number of positions.

Dr. John L. Leathers, who currently serves as interim provost and dean of the Capital College, has been asked by President Graham B. Spanier and Provost Erickson to serve as interim dean of the Commonwealth College. A search for Strasser's permanent replacement will be launched this spring.

Contact: Christy Rambeau at 814-865-7517 or e-mail at