Dec 26, 2012 08:18 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Dr. John M. Anderson resigned as president of Alfred State College, New York, last week, after he was named as the president of Millersville University.

Alfred State announced that Anderson will be leaving the college effective March 31 to assume the presidency of Millersville University of Pennsylvania on April 1.

"Naturally, I am excited about this new opportunity for many personal and professional reasons yet this new transition requires me to separate from a community I care deeply about," said Dr. Anderson, in a press release.

"There will always be a soft spot in my heart for Alfred State and the students who make it their home," he added.

The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) chose  Anderson to serve as the next president of Millersville University.

He will succeed Dr. Francine G. McNairy, who will retire next month after serving as Millersville's president for nearly a decade.

"Dr. Anderson has a proven record of success throughout his career," said Board of Governors Chair Guido M. Pichini, in a press release. "We are confident he will continue that record and will provide outstanding leadership in his new role as president of Millersville University."

"Dr. Anderson has a vast array of administrative and teaching experiences that caused him to stand out among an impressive group of candidates for the Millersville University presidency," said PASSHE Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh.

"I am certain he will be an outstanding president for Millersville and that he will be a valuable addition to the State System and to the extraordinary group of presidents already in place," he added.

Anderson said he looked forward to becoming Millersville's next leader. "I am thrilled to be joining the Millersville University community as its next president With a great foundation of excellence already established, Millersville is poised to take advantage of the rapidly changing landscape in higher education. I look forward, with great enthusiasm, to working with the students, faculty, staff, Council of Trustees and the greater Millersville community in positioning the University for continued success."

Anderson was named president of Alfred State College in 2008, overseeing the loss of nearly one-third of its state funding. Despite the hardship, the college's enrolment has grown by 22 percent during his tenure and its budget has remained stable, in part through the reallocation of $1 million to new strategic initiatives. The college also has introduced new programs in areas such as sport management, forensic science, human services management and architecture, the university said. 

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