Joseph
C. Strasser, dean of the Commonwealth College, will 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.
Strasser has been credited with bringing a solid administrative structure to the 12-campus college and introducing innovative degree programs for undergraduates. John L. Leathers, who currently serves as interim provost and dean of the Capital College, will serve as interim dean of the Commonwealth College. A search for Strasser's permanent replacement will be launched shortly.
"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 fund-raising campaigns to support campus scholarships, academic programs and facilities.
The Commonwealth College was established in 1996 when the University reorganized its Commonwealth Educational System. The college includes the Beaver, Delaware County, DuBois, Fayette, Hazleton, McKeesport, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, Worthington Scranton and York campuses.
The college has added new baccalaureate degree programs in business, human development and family studies, occupational therapy and information sciences and technology. It also has added new associate degree programs, 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.
From 1995-97, Strasser servesd as CEO of Penn State DuBois and 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 fund-raising 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 was responsible for a budget of $22 million. He also served as senior commander and staff executive in a number of positions.