Harrisburg – The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education today selected Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Vice President of
Administration and Finance Scott W.H. Barton to serve as interim president of the university beginning August 19.
Barton, who came to the university in February, 2016 will assume the duties of president following the retirement of Francis L. Hendricks next month.
“The role of interim president is a vital one,” Board of Governors Chair Cynthia D. Shapira said. “It is important that an institution maintain its momentum during the transition to new, permanent leadership. Mr. Barton’s strong leadership will be essential to the entire university community.”
Barton holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Regis University in Denver, CO.
He has nearly two decades of experience as a financial administrator, in the areas of both accounting and information technology. He previously worked as a financial credit examiner for the state of Colorado, a bank examiner for the state of Montana and northwest area controller for LandAmerica.
“I am honored to serve in this capacity as we work together to ensure the future of Mansfield University is both sustainable and well-positioned to meet the needs of the Northern Tier and all of the Commonwealth,” Barton said. “We look forward to welcoming back our students in the fall, and are ready for an exciting year ahead.”
Barton will serve as interim president at Mansfield until the successful conclusion of a national search for a permanent president.
The Board of Governors is responsible for hiring university presidents within the State System. When the need for temporary leadership at a university occurs, the chancellor—in consultation with the chair of the Council of Trustees—makes a recommendation to the Board of Governors, which then meets to ratify the selection. An interim president serves as the university’s chief executive officer, with the same responsibilities and authority as a permanent president.
“Even as we say farewell to President Hendricks and thank him for his service to the university, we also look to the future to ensure a seamless transition in leadership,” MU Council of Trustees Chairperson Bobbi Kilmer said. “The Council and I are confident that Scott Barton won’t miss a beat as we head into the new academic year.”