LHU’s Pignatello Stepping Aside
LOCK HAVEN, PA – Lock Haven University President Robert Pignatello is leaving the university to join the State System of Higher Education as it goes through a system-wide integration plan. In a posted message to the “Haven Family,” Pignatello said his departure will be effective Feb. 5, at which time he will become “Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Integration Strategy.” He said the state system Board of Governors will name an interim president at its February meeting.
The announcement comes as Lock Haven University is going through the integration process, along with Mansfield and Bloomsburg Universities.
Pignatello had been selected as LHU’s 15th president in March of 2018.
The university president’s statement:
Dear Haven Family:
We are entering a period of transition as we seek to integrate Lock Haven, Bloomsburg and Mansfield Universities into a single institution that will create more opportunities for students, with efficiencies, while respecting the identities of our universities. The integration planning is moving at a steady pace toward a unified and singular leadership structure, so I write to inform you of a change in leadership at our University.
Effective February 5, I will be stepping aside as President and taking on a new role as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor for Integration Strategy. At its regular February meeting, the Board of Governors will name an interim president with an eye toward advancing the establishment of this new single leadership structure. In my new role, I will continue to work on issues related and critical to the success of the integration of the three universities such as work force development, short term degrees/stackable credentials, career ready programs and innovation – both credit and non-credit bearing offerings. As you know, these are areas I have felt for a long time are important for the population in our area and are opportunities for growth and new revenue. This is especially true in the post-pandemic economy. That’s why I have advocated for them to be included in the integration model as a core focus and am looking forward to working on how we accomplish this.
I can’t even begin to describe what a privilege it has been to be your President. Over a relatively short time we have accomplished a great deal. The work we did to improve enrollment, retention, inclusion, student engagement, raise our profile by promoting our brand and value and improve community relations while facing our financial realities stand out for me along with our ongoing efforts to keep us all safe during the pandemic. We can all be proud of that, along with the creation of a culture of respect and transparency and working together on both our progress and our challenges – this academic year most especially. All of this and more bolsters Lock Haven’s position as we partner with Bloomsburg and Mansfield.
Amy and I have so many unforgettable memories of LHU that will always be in our hearts. It has been a real honor to be part of The Haven’s ongoing legacy and to help our Bald Eagles “Soar Higher.” I am so proud we were able to dedicate the Bald Eagle statue last fall to mark our 150th anniversary as an enduring symbol of this great institution. So I thank all of you—faculty, staff, coaches, our incredible students, alumni, donors, superb executive team, Foundation, Lock Haven City and Clinton County community leaders, our Council of Trustees, Board of Governors, and Chancellor for the support and opportunity to make a difference here.
This is truly an existential time for LHU, our system, for higher education in general and indeed for our country. I look forward to working with all of you as the integration advances for the future benefit of the students served by Lock Haven and the region to foster growth, efficiency, opportunity and affordability.
I salute you Haven Nation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Pignatello
