Trustees select University president

By ERIN STROUT
Collegian Staff Writer

HERSHEY -- The Castillian room at the Hotel Hershey was filled with many smiling and anxious faces yesterday as the University Board of Trustees officially named Graham Spanier the next University president.

The trustees unanimously voted Spanier, current University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor, as the 16th president of Penn State after a seven-month search.

"I'd like to say how grateful I am for the confidence the board has placed in me," Spanier said, sporting a Nittany Lion tie. "This is a wonderful opportunity for my family and me to come back to Penn State."

Spanier, 46, will replace current University President Joab Thomas starting on Sept. 1, when Thomas is retiring. The president-elect will be returning to his roots when he comes to Penn State -- he was an assistant and associate professor of human development and sociology from 1973 to 1981 and an associate dean for resident instruction in the College of Human Development from 1979 to 1982.

Board President William Schreyer displayed enthusiasm for the board's selection, calling Spanier an effective leader in higher education.

"If Joe (Paterno) couldn't get us the national championship, maybe we found the man who can," Schreyer joked.

And Spanier has his work cut out for him when he arrives at the University.

"What a difference a day makes, because yesterday I thought Nebraska deserved the national championship. I used to drink Coke . . . but today it's Pepsi, and maybe Penn State should have won it," Spanier laughed.

Although Spanier said it is too early to set specific goals for his tenure, he spoke extensively about his views and values concerning topics like financial aid, state appropriations and research.

The president-elect said because he worked his way through college, he is aware of the importance of financial aid, calling it "a complex problem in transition now." Access to the financial aid which federal and state governments provide is important, he said.

As for the ever-present problem of state appropriations, Spanier said the University does not receive as much state funding as it should, but it is efficient with the resources it has. Gov. Tom Ridges's budget proposal would give the University the same appropriation it received last year -- $259 million.

As Thomas congratulated his successor, he said because the presidential selection committee finished its work fast, there will be plenty of time to fully transition Spanier.

"Marley and I will do everything we can in our power to ensure it is a smooth and effective transition," Thomas said. "We will, like the New York Times, provide 'all the news that's fit to print.' "

Thomas also spoke of what might lie ahead for the next president.

"Penn State cannot afford to miss a beat . . . these are exciting times, they are time for wonderful opportunities and some very real challenges," Thomas said.

Back home in Lincoln, Nebraska, administrators are beginning to feel the loss of their leader.

"The day that you're happy is the day we're sad," said Joan Leitzel, Nebraska senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. "I don't think it was expected. We hoped he wouldn't leave at this time."

But Spanier's future is at Penn State and Undergraduate Student Government President Mike King seems pleased with the choice.

"I'm pleased he's a Penn Stater and will bleed blue and white like the rest of us."