Thomas Poole, who has been at Penn State for 30 years as both a graduate student and an employee, has been named the new associate to the president for administration.

Among Poole's new responsibilities are serving as an adviser to Penn State President Graham Spanier and overseeing the administration for the Office of the President and the Office of the Board of Trustees

Poole, who is currently the associate vice provost for educational equity, will work in a position that had previously been part of Stephen MacCarthy's duties, who was the former vice president for university relations.

When MacCarthy accepted a position at the University of Arizona, the university decided to divide his jobs among two people, Poole and Bill Mahon, the current assistant vice president for university relations.

Poole said he has "no problem whatsoever in sharing what used to be one person's job with Bill."

Penn State spokeswoman Annemarie Mountz said Poole's experience was a major factor in his promotion.

"You're not gonna find someone who has more experience with Penn State," Mountz said yesterday. "Well I guess people who have been here for 40 years would be more experienced."

In a press release, Spanier also highlighted Poole's experience.

"There were a number of qualified internal candidates for this important position," he wrote, "but Tom's long history with the institution and breadth of experience in higher education stood out as the kind of talents we really need in this role."

Besides acting as an adviser and overseeing the administration of the Office of the President, Poole will also serve on several major university committees.

"I'm very excited," Poole said. "Anytime you're asked to join the top leadership of one of the great universities it's an honor and a privilege."