CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. L. Jay Lemons, 41, Wise, Va., was named 14th president of Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., on Oct. 1. Susquehanna is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Lemons succeeds Dr. Joel L. Cunningham, who left Susquehanna -- after serving as president for 16 years -- to become vice chancellor and president of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn.
Lemons will begin his new role at Susquehanna in early 2001. Sara Kirkland is serving as acting president. Since 1992 Lemons has served as chancellor for the University of Virginia's College at Wise.
"It is difficult leaving a region and a college that we value so much, but [my wife] Marsha and I are excited about our move to Pennsylvania," said Lemons. "We're looking forward to meeting new friends and contributing to the special character and distinction that a small private university like Susquehanna University offers. I am truly honored to be called to the presidency of Susquehanna University," he said.
Lemons earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and a bachelor of science degree in physical and health education from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, in 1983. He earned a master's degree in educational psychology and college student development from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1985, while working as a graduate assistant for the university's director of admissions. In 1991 he received a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
From 1989 to 1992 Lemons served as assistant to the president, University of Virginia.
Lemons is a member of the committee on professional development, American Association of State Colleges and Universities; the General Professional Advisory Committee of the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia; and the board of trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. He is also a member of the board of directors for the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, the Southwest Virginia Public Education Consortium, the Wise County Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Economic Bridge Initiative and the Tri-Cities All-America City Partnership.
"We are delighted that Jay and Marsha have chosen to come to Susquehanna," said Samuel D. Ross, Jr., chair of Susquehanna's board of directors. "Dr. Lemons' leadership ability and commitment to create the best possible learning environment for students are qualities that make him an excellent choice for Susquehanna's next president," he said.
Lemons was recommended by a 17-member presidential search committee and approved by Susquehanna's board of directors.
Jay and Marsha Lemons are the parents of four children.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
