HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Board of Governors for Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education today selected Kenneth Long, M.B.A., to serve as interim president of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, starting July 31, 2020.

Long currently serves as vice president of administration and finance for East Stroudsburg, a position he's held for nearly seven years. Before coming to East Stroudsburg, Long held positions at Kutztown and Cheyney universities as well as at Toledo and DeVry universities.

“We're fortunate Mr. Long will guide East Stroudsburg through this time of transition and continue the forward momentum the university has built," Board of Governors Chair Cindy Shapira said. “He brings enormous experience and leadership qualities to the position, and his time as a fellow Warrior will mean steadiness and stability for the campus during this transition."

Long will serve as interim president until the successful conclusion of a national search for a permanent president.

“Ken's time as a leader in East Stroudsburg's campus community since 2013 will serve him well as the faculty, staff, and students look to a bright future for the university," Chancellor Dan Greenstein said. “His lengthy record of accomplishment at East Stroudsburg as well as at other State System universities should give everyone confidence as he pilots this great institution."

Long began serving as East Stroudsburg's vice president of administration and finance in 2013, after serving five years as assistant vice president of administration and finance at Kutztown University. He also worked six months in 2012 as interim vice president for finance and administration at Cheyney University, in a loaned executive capacity.

Prior to joining the State System, Long held positions at the University of Toledo and Devry University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in math and political science from Drew University in Madison, N.J., and an M.B.A. from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J.

Long will begin serving as East Stroudsburg's interim president July 31, after President Marcia Welsh retires. Welsh became East Stroudsburg's 13^th and first female president in 2012.

“Marcia's dedication to East Stroudsburg, her passion for the institution and it's place among the State System, has earned our admiration and gratitude, and that of Warriors everywhere," Greenstein said. “Because we are taking this action months before she completes her term as president, Marcia and Ken will be able to ensure a smooth transition in July, which is especially true given the challenges we are all facing with the COVID-19 crisis."

The Board of Governors unanimously approved Long's appointment during a conference call meeting today.

Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education oversees 14 four-year public universities educating more than 95,000 students. The State System offers more than 2,300 degrees and certificates in more than 530 academic areas. The State System universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania.