University Park, Pa. -- Gary M. Lawler, vice president of academic and student affairs at the College of St. Joseph, Rutland, Vt., has been named chancellor of Penn State Hazleton. Lawler will succeed John Madden, who is retiring in June after 29 years of service to the University.
"Dr. Lawler brings to Penn State a strong background in student-centered higher education," said John Romano, Penn State vice president for Commonwealth Campuses. "His leadership style complements the vision established for Penn State Hazleton under John Madden's guidance, and we look forward to Dr. Lawler's contributions toward its future."
Lawler received his master's degree in mathematics from the State University of New York at Albany and his doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from The University at Albany. He began his academic career as professor of mathematics at Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, N.Y., where he served for 23 years and was named assistant to the vice president for academic affairs.
In 2001 he became academic dean at the College of St. Joseph and in 2004 was named its vice president of academic and student affairs. In that role he administered and evaluated all academic programs and policies, and supervised all student life, residential life, athletics and other student-service personnel, as well as business outreach and continuing education. He was responsible for enrollment management, led comprehensive assessments of student learning outcomes for both the college's undergraduate and graduate programs, and implemented a campus technology plan, which resulted in the development of smart classrooms.
"I am very excited to represent Penn State Hazleton and advance its goals," said Lawler, "and I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and students to build upon its successes."