The Arcadia University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. James P. Gallagher as Interim President on Thursday, Feb. 17.

“Since the time when President Jerry Greiner announced that he intended to retire this spring, he has given serious thought to the next phase of his life. He recently advised the Board that he wanted to spend more time with his family and plan for his future. With this request in mind, the Board of Trustees met and granted Dr. Greiner’s request to begin his sabbatical effective today.  The University thanks Dr. Greiner for his many accomplishments and wishes him the best with his future endeavors,” Margaret Wright Steele ’80, Chair of the Arcadia University Board of Trustees, wrote to the campus community.

“The Board took immediate action to ensure the continuity of University leadership by appointing an Interim President to guide the community through the period of transition to a new President. I am pleased to announce that James P. Gallagher, Ph.D., former President of Philadelphia University, has been selected to serve as Interim President.  Dr. Gallagher served as President of Philadelphia University for 23 years, retiring in 2007.  He has also served as the Pennsylvania Commissioner of Higher Education, chaired the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and was a member of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission,” Steele continued. Dr. Gallagher will serve as Interim President until a new President starts. He will not be a candidate for the permanent position.

“I hope that you will join me and the Board in thanking Dr. Greiner for his service. Please feel free to express your well wishes to Dr. Greiner.

“Please also join me in welcoming Dr. Gallagher to campus.  The Board of Trustees will be hosting an event at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, February 21, 2011, in the Beaver College Room that will give you an opportunity to meet Interim President Dr. James P. Gallagher.”

The search for Arcadia University’s next president is under way. Find information at www.arcadia.edu/nextpresident.