CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of trustees of Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., named James B. Steffy interim president, effective Aug. 19. Muhlenberg College is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Steffy was vice president for administration and planning at Muhlenberg College before he retired in 1999. Since then he has served as a consultant to the college for significant capital projects. He is a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Allentown.
Steffy will serve as interim president while the college searches for a permanent president. Arthur R. Taylor was president from August 1992 until July 2002. Kent Dyer, vice president for finance and treasurer, had been serving as acting president since June 12.
"Jim (Steffy) is a professional of great integrity and is dedicated and loyal to Muhlenberg. Over the years, he has built positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and alumni," said John M. Heffer, chair, Muhlenberg College board of trustees. "We are fortunate to have someone of his ability and breadth of experience to take on this position. He is the right person for the interim job."
"I would like to thank Kent Dyer for his efforts," added Heffer. "This appointment allows him and the entire management team, which has served the college so well during the past several years, to remain in their existing positions and return to their regular duties. The trustees appreciate Kent's efforts, and those of the entire management team."
Steffy has been involved with higher education for more than 40 years, including 26 years at Susquehanna University, an ELCA higher education institution, and 17 years at Muhlenberg College.
A native of Reading, Pa., Steffy attended the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, and holds a bachelor of science from West Chester University, West Chester, Pa. He earned a master of education degree from Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
Steffy joined the faculty at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., in 1959, where he taught in the music department until 1982. He attained the academic rank of professor, was music department chair for 12 years, and served as conductor of the university bands. During those years, Steffy held two senior management positions, including one year as acting vice president for academic affairs and three years as dean of continuing education. In 1982, he was named dean of academic services and was responsible for the university's marketing and enrollment planning, as well as academic records and continuing education.
In 1985 Steffy spent a year as executive director of Educational Ventures Inc., the Muhlenberg and Cedar Crest College consortium for joint programs. In January 1986 Steffy was named executive director for planning and administration at Muhlenberg College and shortly thereafter was named vice president, a position he held until retirement. ---
* Michael Bruckner is vice president of public relations, Muhlenberg College.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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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
