SRU names its next president
Karen Riley has been selected to become the next president of Slippery Rock University, the board of governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announced Wednesday.
The unanimous decision comes after a nationwide search that included 90 applicants. a news release from the university said.
Riley will follow in the footsteps of William Behre, who said last February he would retire on June 30, 2023.
"Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Riley has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success inside and outside the classroom and will be a great person to lead the university," board of governors chair Cindy Shapira said. "Under president Behre, Slippery Rock University has maintained, even expanded upon its considerable strengths.
“We are confident that Dr. Riley will guide the university to the next level of excellence as it continues to provide a high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students."
From 2014 to 2021, Riley was dean of the College of Education at the University of Denver where she helped increase the number of students and launched a Center for Professional Development.
Riley also served as provost and chief academic officer at Regis University in Denver during 2021, where she initiated a plan to focus on excellence in teaching, advancing research, offer relevant programs and stackable credentials.
