HERSHEY -- The University named the Wilkes-Barre Campus Executive Officer James H. Ryan as its new vice president for continuing education at Saturday's University's Board of Trustees meeting.

Ryan rose to acknowledge applause after the board unanimously approved the promotion. Visibly moved, Diane Ryan smiled as she stood by her husband's side to accept the trustees' appreciation.

John Leathers previously held the position as the acting vice president. The position is responsible for the administrative duties of a program that enables returning adults to attend college at all University campuses.

After the meeting, James Ryan said he was excited about his new position and looked forward to addressing the key issues facing higher education.

He said some of these issues include the "accessibility and availability of adult students and other non-traditional students to higher education and the distinct learning partnerships with industry, government and education."

Ryan's term will begin July 1.

Since he became the Wilkes-Barre CEO in 1981, James Ryan has increased the campus's facilities by $8 million, raised $2.5 million for the Center for Technology and accepted a $1 million grant from Bell of Pennsylvania to support telecommunications engineering.

He also garnered additional funding from grants, specialized endowments and annual giving for the campus during his term.

Diane Ryan, who works at the Wilkes-Barre campus in the advising and career counseling center, also expressed anticipation about the promotion.

"I have always loved State College," she said.

Praising James Ryan's leadership abilities, University President Bryce Jordan recommended him for the position during Friday's meeting.

"He has done a really superb job on the Wilkes-Barre campus and has broad experience in the area of communications," Jordan said.

Other trustees seemed pleased with the approval.

"Jim Ryan has a tremendous amount of ability and enthusiasm and will make an excellent vice president for continuing education," said Trustee Roger A. Madigan.