Orbin Named Acting CEO At Penn State Hazleton

5-30-96
Dr. David P. Orbin, assistant professor of biology at Penn State Hazleton, has been appointed acting campus executive officer for the campus, effective July 1.

"Dr. Orbin represents those important qualities that combine outstanding and innovative teaching and active involvement in the life of the community," said Dr. Robert E. Dunham, senior vice president of the University and dean of the Commonwealth Educational System. "I am confident that he will work effectively with faculty, staff and students, the campus advisory board and the community to advance the goals of Penn State Hazleton and the University."

Former Campus Executive Officer James J. Staudenmeier retired this winter, and Dr. John Leathers, associate vice president for the Commonwealth Educational System, has been overseeing the campus administration since then.

Orbin joined Penn State in 1970 at the New Kensington Campus and joined the Hazleton faculty the following year.

He has served as president of the Faculty General Assembly six times, most recently during the last academic year, has served on all of the campus strategic planning committees, and is a member of the Campus Campaign Steering Committee.

In the classroom, he has been a pioneer in the use of computers and with other faculty, developed a college survival skills class for freshmen.

In addition to teaching microbiology and environmental science, he also team teaches a sequence of sophomore biology courses helped coordinate a program for junior high school students.

He is just completing a year in the Leadership Hazleton program, chairs the Conyngham Borough Zoning Hearing Board and is active in a number of community service and church organizations.

Originally from Greensburg, Orbin is a graduate of Otterbein College in Ohio and received a Ph.D. in biology from Auburn University in Alabama.

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