Penn State community, local and state leaders pay tribute to President Barron

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In recognition of Penn State President Eric J. Barron’s retirement on May 8, Penn State community members and local and state leaders have expressed their thoughts, thanks and well wishes for the University’s 18th president.

Below is a sampling of the many tributes that have been shared from across the University and around the state paying homage to Barron and all that Penn State has accomplished during his presidency. Additional reflections from Penn State community members about President Barron’s legacy can be read here.

“Words on a page seem to fall so short of capturing Eric and Molly Barron’s influence and impact on Penn State. Their focus was always on students having the opportunity to experience all that Penn State had to offer and making sure that each and every student knew that the Barrons were there to support them. Our student-athletes felt that same support in their competitive, classroom and community pursuits. The Barrons have always been keenly aware and supportive of the tremendously positive impact that intercollegiate athletics can have on a campus, its alumni and the community. They recognize and promote at every opportunity the educational value garnered through the existence of intercollegiate athletics for student-athletes, as well as the myriad of other students whose Penn State educational experience is positively impacted by athletics. Eric and Molly have been ever-present at athletic events, championships and academic celebrations. They love to win and achieve, as with all aspects of Penn State, and the many pictures of Eric and Molly celebrating with our student-athletes so appropriately tell that story. Our students, coaches and staff are so thankful for their passion, guidance and support. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve Penn State under Dr. Barron’s leadership and to be able to call Eric and Molly friends.”

— Sandy Barbour, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics

“I would like to congratulate President Eric Barron on a remarkable career. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dr. Barron both personally and professionally for what he has accomplished in leading this great University. When he arrived at Penn State eight years ago, Dr. Barron was tasked with guiding the University and the community through our most challenging times. It is clear Dr. Barron strengthened and broadened this University’s culture; a culture defined by the core values of integrity, excellence and hard work. I will be forever grateful for Dr. Barron’s passionate leadership, loyalty to our community, and the tremendous support he has given me, our football program, and the entire athletic department. I have so much respect for Dr. Barron and Molly and wish them both nothing but the best in their retirement.”

— James Franklin, head coach, football

“Eric, it has been my honor to serve on the Penn State board for the last six years of your presidency. You have succeeded in making a great University even greater and in setting a strong foundation for further growth and success. Your legacy will be one of accomplishment and honor. Thank you, and we wish Molly and you all the best in your retirement.”

— David Morris Kleppinger, vice chair, Penn State Board of Trustees

“I recently asked Dr. Barron what he has most enjoyed about his tenure at Penn State and he answered: teaching his leadership classes. He is clearly a teacher at heart. When you consider all the difficult decisions a university president must make, and some of the particular decisions that Dr. Barron has faced during his time at Penn State, I'm sure his students benefited greatly from his experiences and consider his class a highlight as well. Where else could a student of leadership see up close that kind of real-world, real-time decision making?

“Dr. Barron, thank you for your remarkable leadership and fortitude during your entire tenure, but especially over the last couple of years of pandemic duty, social unrest and seismic geo-political shifts. You led through crisis and came through with a stronger, more intact institution. Furthermore, you have not wavered from the strategic priorities and investments in the strategic plan which have set the institution on a fantastic trajectory! Finally, I am grateful for your work with the Board of Trustees at critical moments when your voice was especially necessary and effective for getting us to the right place. Congratulations to you and Molly on a job WELL DONE!”

— Julie Anna Potts, Penn State trustee

“Before the pandemic, Dr. Barron and his wife would host the entire University Park student government at their home for a dinner once per year. During one of these visits, I saw him open the door to his personal office and welcome in a large group of students, all in an effort to connect with one student over their mutual love of art. This personal touch and openness with students, as well as his own spark of creativity, encapsulates the leader and person that I have known Dr. Barron to be.

“President Barron, I want to extend an enormous thank you and the best wishes to you and Molly on your retirement. Your service to Penn State has left us positioned for a future that is brighter than ever. It has been my pleasure to watch you work so closely as a trustee, and I can confidently say that you have molded an entire group of students into better leaders, thinkers and people. Congratulations on your excellent career.”

— Brian Culler, former Penn State student trustee

“Eric's leadership in our comprehensive campaign was exemplary — the case study for what a great president brings to the table when executing this kind of bold initiative. He was thoughtful and listened carefully to the ideas of faculty, staff, students, donors and volunteers as we sought to define the parameters of the campaign. He was strategic in linking the three imperatives of the campaign to key elements of the University's strategic plan. He was ambitious — first in setting a goal that was a stretch, and then bold — when we took a gamble and extended the campaign and increased the goal. And finally, he led by example: He and Molly were personally generous to a number of initiatives, including support for a staff award, the student emergency fund at the peak of the pandemic, and their signature gift, an endowed fund to support food security for students.”

— Rich Bundy, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations

“President Barron's vision in establishing an imaginative and wildly successful entrepreneurism initiative has taken hold on campuses and communities across the commonwealth. He has healed the University and successfully led it through unprecedented challenges like COVID and Greek life, all while elevating the research enterprise into a $1 billion operation and breaking records in fundraising.

“President Barron has elevated our unit's media and enrollment campaigns through his creativity, vision and leadership, and an executive's ability to inspire and enable our team's work. The same can be said for other units. He has lifted the University in challenging times and moved all of us forward.”

— Lawrence Lokman, vice president for Strategic Communications

“At military and veteran events, Dr. Barron would always say, ‘Ever since 1863, when Penn State took on its role as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant university, our relationship with the military has been part of our DNA,’ a view which he firmly believed and lived every day, both in word and deed, as our University president. Dr. Barron made serving the military-connected student community a priority at Penn State, serving those who served and putting ‘thank you for your service’ into action. He led from the front as Penn State’s veteran advocate, champion and leader, putting in place a culture, advocacy and programs that will benefit Penn State military-connected students for many years to come. His impact on the military and veteran community at Penn State came in the form of advocacy, a new facility, programs and services, scholarships, and expanded military appreciation events, all of which will continue and benefit the military-connected community long after Dr. Barron and Molly leave Penn State.”

— Col. Eugene McFeely, senior director, Penn State Veteran Affairs and Services

“Over the years, as vice president for Outreach and vice provost for Online Education, I had the good fortunate of working with Dr. Barron as both the dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the president of the University. My most memorable experience with him was not a one-on-one meeting or at President’s Council, but rather his address at the first MLK Banquet he hosted as president. He spoke from his heart of his deep, personal, lifelong commitment to social justice and in achieving the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King. He shared stories of his early life and the foundation his parents provided of the importance to stand up in support of civil rights and inclusion, despite the risks. His speech that evening really displayed his character, integrity and courage, and inspired me. I came to the realization that he was a leader and man to follow. Over the years, I was never disappointed and admired his courage to stand up for what is right.”

— Craig Weidemann, retired vice president for Outreach and vice provost for Online Education

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your retirement as president from Penn State after eight years of service to the University and the commonwealth. Over the years, your ideals and vision for making Penn State a leader in both higher education and economic development have benefited thousands, students and nonstudents alike. I have borne witness to Penn State's growth over your tenure and know that the University is in a better place today because of your stewardship. Please accept my best wishes for a happy and enjoyable retirement, and may the years ahead be just as rewarding.”

— U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. 

“Penn State is a premier educational institution that has flourished under the leadership of President Barron. He is leaving the University in a stronger position than when he started. I appreciated his effort and time working with me while leading the University, and I wish him the best in retirement.”

— U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey

“Thank you for your years of service to Penn State and to the thousands of students who, because of your efforts, have attained a high-quality education right here in the heart of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. Under your leadership, Penn State has partnered with job creators in our community to improve learning outcomes and equip the leaders of tomorrow with the resources necessary to be successful today. As ranking member of the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, I am grateful to have collaborated with Penn State, particularly on issues such as workforce development and career and technical education. While the American workforce is constantly evolving, the diverse array of innovative and forward-looking programs at Penn State have ensured that our commonwealth is poised to lead the next generation of workers into a prosperous future.

“Please accept my best wishes upon your retirement and know that your legacy will long be remembered by all those whose lives you helped shape.”

— U.S. Rep. Fred Keller

“Dr. Barron, I write to personally thank you for your many dedicated years of service to the Pennsylvania State University, our student body, and the Greater Penn State/Centre County community. In particular, I highly value the efforts you have made in partnership with the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau over the years to enhance economic and workforce development in central Pennsylvania through collaboration with area entrepreneurs, businesses and government agencies. … I have been amazed by the personal stories of students who have developed new technologies and created amazing products while still undergraduates at Penn State, who then transitioned those concepts into a business plan while still getting support from the University beyond graduation. That, to me, exemplifies the true purpose of a Penn State education, and I attribute much of that collaborative philosophy and synergistic culture at the University to your leadership and guidance.”

— Pennsylvania state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff

“When President Barron first laid out his vision of economic development extension to a group of Pennsylvania House members, one of them leaned over and said to me, ‘I've never heard a university president talk like this.’ In that moment, I knew that President Barron had touched on an important topic that would resonate with government leaders. Importantly, Dr. Barron didn't just talk the talk, but he implemented these ideas into Invent Penn State, which has been universally applauded by government officials.”

— Zack Moore, vice president for Government and Community Relations

“President Barron, I want to personally thank you for the momentum you created in Happy Valley with your vision for economic development. As a State College native and Penn State alumnus, I value the transformation of the University’s commitment to the community under your leadership and how this town and state have prospered because of it. I especially want to thank you personally for all the support your vision has provided to me as an entrepreneur.”

— Hunter Swisher, Penn State alumnus; founder, president and CEO of Phospholutions Inc.

“Dr. Barron changed my trajectory at Penn State and beyond by continually pushing Invent Penn State as a priority throughout his administration. In 2018, I founded an organization called Girls Code the World with my peer, Mina Shokoufandeh. Girls Code the World provides opportunities, resources and role models in STEM-related fields for girls through educational programs and extended mentorships. … We struggled to find people who would invest time and resources in college students trying to start a business, but Dr. Barron saw this struggle from many students and members of the Penn State community, and he decided to invest in us through Invent Penn State. The support I have received through the Invent Penn State initiative has led to me believing in myself as an entrepreneur, as a role model for women in STEM, and as a part of the Penn State community.”

— Sydney Gibbard, vice president-elect, University Park Undergraduate Association; co-founder of Girls Code the World

“Thank you for your belief in our fraternity and sorority community — our students, staff and alumni — as well as Penn State itself in searching and finding the answers that together will create life-saving and life-changing fraternities and sororities. On behalf of the Penn State Greek community and the 750,000 students nationwide on over 770 campuses with fraternity and sorority life, we thank you for your vision and leadership in creating a research center that will build students' capacity to lead in these tumultuous times and help campuses implement prevention science to create safer experiences. Your leadership will not only save students' lives and families' hardships but create a Penn State model for a stronger, safer and sustainable fraternity and sorority life, nationwide.”

— Steve Veldkamp, director, Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform

“Eric, you are a champion of the arts, in your words and in your actions. I imagine your lasting impact and influence on the arts at Penn State will be a key part of your legacy and will increase as time goes on. The undeniable example of your support for the arts is the new Palmer Museum of Art. Without question, this project would not have come to fruition without your vision, dedication, determination, support and advocacy. You understood what an arts and culture district could mean for the University, the community, and the region.”

— B. Stephen Carpenter II, Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Dean of the College of Arts and Architecture

“Dr. Barron truly shines when interacting with students. I remember watching him connect with student entrepreneurs during a reception at Penn State Startup Week in 2019. He asked each student group about their ideas, probed for details, and reminded them of the University resources available to bring their ideas to market. As the event’s keynote speaker, he remarked about the other great things happening across Penn State that night — scientific presentations, athletic competitions, musical performances — but that there was no place he’d rather be than at that night’s event, interacting with student entrepreneurs and helping to inspire their continued success. It was an easy line to say, but his authenticity was demonstrated through his genuine admiration for the students’ hard work and enthusiasm for their potential. This simple act is emblematic of who Dr. Barron is — attentive, thoughtful, nurturing, inspirational and always with an eye to the future.”

— Andrew Sears, dean, College of Information Sciences and Technology

“I believe Dr. Barron's lasting impact will be his focus on transforming education. He has worked to make a Penn State education accessible and affordable to all students and was passionate about creating the resources and programs needed to help students be successful. In addition, he will be remembered for his strong leadership during COVID, for bringing Penn Staters together, and empowering us to create real-time solutions that enabled us to continue to teach and learn during the pandemic.

“Eric and Molly have been outstanding examples of leadership, at all levels of the University. I thank them for their emphasis on undergraduate student learning and the student experience. Their genuine care always resonated and informed and made our programs better.”

— Yvonne Gaudelius, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education

“President Barron has been a tireless advocate for access and affordability. His commitment to the Commonwealth Campuses and their important role in carrying out the University's land-grant mission has made a lasting impact. He has been a fierce advocate for student success. On so many occasions, I have seen him make an immediate connection with students. His authenticity is apparent to all who spend time with him. He truly cares for all Penn Staters.

“President Barron, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth Campuses. The students we serve are important to me both professionally and personally, and your shared vision of how we support them will be forever appreciated. Thank you for your care, consideration and wonderful stewardship of Penn State. From the first time I met you and Molly, I knew that you would do great things at Penn State, and you did!”

— Kelly Austin, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor

“President Barron has been such a strong supporter of the campuses. Very early on he would bristle at terms like main campus, branch campus or satellite campus and was always quick to correct anyone using those terms. Once, upon someone mentioning main campus, Eric responded, ‘We don’t have campuses in Maine; only in Pennsylvania.’

“Eric, I can only wish you and Molly well, and thank you sincerely for your support of our Commonwealth Campuses.”

— Jim Nemes, chancellor and chief academic officer, Penn State Great Valley

“President Barron impressed the Commonwealth Campuses by visiting every single one of them before he began his tenure. It signaled his value of their role in the University and left a lasting and priceless impression. President Barron will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, entrepreneurial thinking, inclusiveness and genuine warmth, as well as his gentle and calming manner.”

— Francis Achampong, chancellor, Penn State Mont Alto

“The University has thrived in the era of your presidency, and I hope that you retire with a sense of pride and satisfaction. You’ve given so much of your life and time to our University and our community, and we are truly grateful for your service. I wish you much joy, contentment and good health in the next phase of your life with Molly and your family. I look forward to welcoming you back for a visit.”

— Ezra Nanes, State College mayor

“Eric, it is a pleasure to wish you a future full of pleasure, family and new opportunities to use your experience and many talents in service to others. As an alumnus and an emeritus professor, I want to thank you for all that you have done for Penn State in very difficult times. It is a better place because of your work. As mayor of State College during part of your tenure, I want to thank you for thinking of Penn State not as a standalone entity, but as a central part of the larger community. You were always available to help with issues facing the community, and, because you recognized Penn State’s impact, you could be counted on to consider the welfare of the communities surrounding Penn State when making decisions. Whatever comes next for you, I’m sure you will handle it with skill and compassion.”

— Ron Filippelli, former State College mayor
 

"President Barron, congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your leadership and strong community partnership while you served as the president of the Pennsylvania State University. You provided leadership as Penn State and State College worked together to heal our community. I have valued our partnership and enjoyed working with you over the past eight years. I believe that together we have made significant strides and improved both our community and Penn State.

“I am incredibly grateful for the partnership supporting economic development and entrepreneurship in State College. Your personal support of the New Leaf initiative and your leadership in establishing the Happy Valley LaunchBox and the Innovation Hub in downtown State College has contributed significantly to supporting Penn State faculty, staff and students, and the State College community startup economy.”

— Tom Fountaine, State College Borough manager

“When people ask me what the highlight of my tenure at Penn State was, it was supporting the presidential search process that brought you back to Happy Valley. During your leadership, you were the calm and unflappable presence that approached everything you did with perseverance and persistence in ensuring the mission of Penn State was front and foremost.

“Eric, as you and Molly embark on the next chapter, which I hope is full of watercolors, laughs, and walks hand-in-hand, please know that you made people breathe easier and provided focus during times when focusing and breathing were not always intuitive or easy! I remember after a particularly difficult meeting … your demeanor was so light and breezy. … You said that all you had to do was look out at the Old Main lawn, and seeing the students and spirit of Penn State put everything in perspective. Please know that just as you looked out at the lawn and saw what was important and good about Penn State, know that, actually, many of us looked at YOU as that reminder of what was important and good about Penn State.”

— Jeanie Andrews, former director, Office of the Board of Trustees