The job of directing a unit in student affairs is complex and challenging. Here is some advice from experts who have been there. by Karen Whitney (Clarion University) and Jeremy Podany (Colorado State University) New student affairs directors have the opportunity to see a direct impact on the lives of students and the success of the […]
Dr. Karen M. Whitney
President Emerita
Clarion University
Dr. Karen Whitney has held many leadership positions throughout her 37 year career in higher education. Whitney is a nationally recognized organizational and leadership development writer, speaker and consultant.
She most recently completed a one year (2017-18) appointment as Interim Chancellor which included providing strategic leadership to 14 universities serving over 100,000 students, making it the largest provider of higher education in Pennsylvania. The System employs more than 12,000 faculty and staff, making it one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth with a $2.3 billion annual operating budget.
As Chancellor, she served as the chief executive officer of the System which included:
- Working with the 14 university presidents to ensure the success of each University.
- Advises the system Board on policy development and oversees policy implementation.
- Provides recommendations to the Board on State System’s overall budget.
- Reviews and recommends academic programs for the Board’s approval.
- Conducts comprehensive planning for the role and scope of each university, instructional programs, research programs and public service programs in consultation with State System and university constituent groups.
- Negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of, and subject to, the approval of the Board.
- Serves as an ex-officio member of the council of trustees of each university.
- Represents the system to the public including elected and civic leaders.
- Advances and champions higher learning public policy.
Whitney was president of Clarion University, a large public masters comprehensive university, from 2010-2017. During this time, she lead the university through a period of great operational challenge and change including a transformational reorganization of colleges, departments and academic priorities. Most notably focussing the university as a leader in offering innovative professional programs in business, education, health and human services.
From 1999-2010, Whitney was Vice Chancellor For Student Life at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. She has also held progressively more responsible administrative leadership positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Houston. She held clinical appointments in teaching from Indiana University School of Education.
