May 31, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Morton, or 717-236-7486
After Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education this morning discussed the Cheyney University task force’s report, the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties hopes Cheyney faculty members will be part of any additional conversations and the implementation process, APSCUF Vice President Dr. Jamie Martin said.
“It is critical that there be shared governance at Cheyney University as the task force’s recommendations move forward,” Martin said. “Especially because no faculty members have been part of the task force so far.”
The State System’s Board of Governors during its conference call this morning also approved the appointment of Aaron A. Walton as interim president of Cheyney University, effective today. He replaces Frank G. Pogue, who was interim president since November 2014.
“We want Cheyney University to thrive, and we wish Aaron Walton success,” APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash said. “However, we are concerned about his lack of experience, top-down management, and lack of faculty input in this process. We hope there is additional dialogue and that a search for a permanent president begins right away — with input from faculty and other constituencies. Cheyney University needs to be held to the same standards as all our other fine public universities. We must fix its foundation.”
APSCUF represents about 5,500 faculty and coaches at the State System universities: Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.