February 16th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents has appointed Ronald Nowaczyk as president of Frostburg State University (FSU), one of USM’s 12 institutions. Nowaczyk is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. He will join Frostburg as president on May 9, 2016.
“The Board of Regents is pleased that Dr. Nowaczyk has accepted the appointment as Frostburg State University’s next president,” said USM Board Chair James L. Shea. “He has dedicated his career to helping public universities in rural areas advance academically and engage as active partners in improving the quality of life in surrounding communities. We look forward to welcoming him to the University System of Maryland and the Frostburg community.”
"Ron Nowaczyk has the experience to lead and grow a comprehensive campus in today's challenging environment,” said USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret. “He is a great fit on both a personal and professional level for the Frostburg community and Western Maryland. I believe he will bring the energy, vision, and strategic leadership the campus needs to move forward."
Since 2011, Nowaczyk has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Clarion, a public comprehensive university in western Pennsylvania. Part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, the university enrolls 6,000 students and offers more than 100 academic programs. Nowaczyk’s many accomplishments as Clarion’s chief academic officer include:
· Facilitating new degree programs to respond to student and workforce demand;
· Increasing the online program offerings at the bachelor’s degree level;
· Enhancing opportunities for faculty scholarship, research, and outreach;
· Developing an academic strategic plan focused on increasing student enrollment and graduation rates.
Before joining Clarion, Nowaczyk served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Haven (2006-2011), associate vice chancellor for economic and community development at East Carolina University (2003-2006), and chair of East Carolina University’s Department of Psychology (1998-2002). He also was on the faculty of Clemson University’s Department of Psychology (1978-1998). His other professional experiences include serving as a visiting scientist at the Institute for Computer Applications in Science and Engineering at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, and as a visiting human factors research consultant at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Lincroft, NJ.
Active in the communities where he’s worked, Nowaczyk has served on the boards of the Northwest (PA) Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance, and in North Carolina’s Pitt County, the boards of the United Way, The ARC, and the American Red Cross.
“I am both honored and excited about leading the Frostburg State University community in the upcoming years,” said Nowaczyk. “Frostburg State’s history and mission in serving the state and region speak to the commitment and dedication of its faculty and staff. I hope to help the university enhance its value as an educational leader and economic partner in western Maryland. My family and I are looking forward to becoming part of Frostburg.”
Nowaczyk earned his doctoral and master’s degrees from Miami University of Ohio and his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, all three in psychology.
Since July 1, 2015, Tom Bowling has served as FSU’s interim president, following Jonathan Gibralter’s departure to join Wells College (NY) as president. When Nowaczyk joins FSU in May, Bowling will return to his former position as vice president for student affairs.
“Tom Bowling has done an outstanding job during this period of transition,” Chairman Shea and Chancellor Caret said in a joint statement. “We appreciate his deep commitment to keeping Frostburg moving ahead as we searched for a new leader.”
The appointment of Nowaczyk follows nearly 10 months of work by the search and screening committee appointed in April 2015. Thomas G. Slater, an FSU alumnus and member of the USM Board of Regents, chaired the committee, which included representatives from the FSU faculty, staff, student body, alumni, and greater community. The committee recommended finalists for consideration by Chancellor Caret and the Board of Regents. The board made the final appointment.
Frostburg State University prides itself on its small classes led by excellent professors; its students’ access to internships, study abroad, and other experiential opportunities; and a strong commitment to community service. Enrollment numbers more than 5,600 undergraduate, master’s level, and doctoral students. Located in Frostburg, the university is recognized as Western Maryland’s educational and cultural center. For more information about FSU, visit: www.frostburg.edu.
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