Information Provided By Franklin Pierce University
RINDGE, NH - The Chairman of the Franklin Pierce University Board
of Trustees, Dr. Zeddie Bowen, announced that Dr. James Birge has
been elected as the university's fourth president. Dr. Birge was
recommended by the search committee composed of members of the
faculty, staff and board of trustees, and included the president of
the study body, and the president of the Alumni Association
Executive Committee.
The decision was announced to the Franklin Pierce University
community Monday, concluding a national presidential search that
began in September after Dr. George J. Hagerty announced that he
would retire in June following 14 years of leadership.
Dr. Birge most recently served as the Executive Vice President -
Chief Operating Officer at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling,
West Virginia, where he also served as Interim President from 2006
to 2007. In addition to overseeing academic affairs, Dr. Birge
managed the strategic planning process, implemented an enrollment
management model for stabilizing and growing enrollment, and
implemented the restructuring of the university's long-term
debt.
Prior to arriving at Wheeling Jesuit, Dr. Birge served as Executive
Director of Pennsylvania Campus Compact and was Coordinator for
Service Learning at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Birge holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga
University, an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Plymouth State
University in New Hampshire, and a B.S. in Elementary Education
from Westfield State College in Massachusetts. His dissertation
topic was "Academic Presidents as Public Leaders."
"The board was impressed with Dr. Birge's potential to bring strong
and collegial leadership to the university in this time of national
economic stress," said Dr. Bowen. "Dr. Birge also has a strong
commitment to mission-driven programs like our Individual and
Community curriculum, our goal to graduate Leaders of Conscience
and the role our three academic institutes can play in creating a
strong sense of community responsibility."
Dr. Birge succeeds Dr. George J. Hagerty, who is retiring in June
after serving a very successful 14 years as president.
Franklin Pierce University Names Dr. James Birge as New President
Posted: Apr 08, 2009