MANSFIELD, PA—Karen M. Whitney, interim chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, visited Mansfield University on Tuesday, October 3. 
“I’m on a mission to not only secure additional state investment through appropriated funds, but I’ve also begun discussions with the state government that they need to deregulate us so that Mansfield and all our universities can be the best universities that we can be,” Whitney said. “Right now, President (Scott) Barton, who is doing an outstanding job, does not have all the authority he needs to do his job. He is saddled with a lot of unfunded obligations and regulations that he has to miraculously find money for. That has to stop. I can appreciate that the state has a big job, and that there are financial challenges, but I’m here to talk about what we need to do to create new and different ways moving forward to ensure that Mansfield and each one of our State System universities has a stable operating environment.”
In each of her meetings; with Interim President Scott Barton, students, 
administration, faculty, staff and trustees representatives, Whitney assured all of her commitment to Mansfield and its future.
“The reason I accepted the appointment as interim chancellor is that I completely believe that every one of our 14 universities is vital and important and must continue for the Commonwealth to be successful,” she added. “The Commonwealth needs all of us.” 
“We had a fantastic and productive day,” Barton said. “We are so appreciative of the Chancellor’s time and her commitment to Mansfield’s success cannot be understated. She’s taking a very proactive approach to the challenges we all face and she’s hearing from all the various constituent groups.”
Whitney is visiting all 14 State System university campuses before the Board of Governors next meeting on October 18.