SHARON, Pa. – After more than 42 years with the University, Fredric Leeds will be retiring as chancellor of Penn State Shenango on Dec. 31.
Leeds began his career at the Shenango campus in 1971 as an assistant professor of French. For many years he also taught humanities, a course that became popular among students at the campus. In 1987, Leeds was appointed director of academic affairs, a position that involved working closely with faculty and students. Before being appointed chancellor in 2005, Leeds served as acting executive officer twice during campus transition periods.
His community involvement included the Sharon Mayor’s Committee on the Arts, Penn Northwest Corp. Board of Directors, Industrial Information Institute for Education Board of Directors and the Shenango Valley Urban League Board of Directors.
Leeds has received several awards and distinctions, including the Penn State Administrative Excellence Award in 2008. Most recently, he received a citation from the Shenango Valley Chapter of the Inter-Denominational Clergy Women’s Alliance Inc. for his years of commitment to social justice. Leeds earned his baccalaureate degree in French from Hunter College, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in French from Penn State. He also holds the Certificat de Langue Française from the Sorbonne in Paris.
“I have had a long and satisfying career at Penn State. I am pleased that my successor, Dr. Jo Anne Carrick, shares my commitment to the University, the Shenango campus and our community,” Leeds said.
Carrick will assume leadership of Penn State Shenango on Jan. 1. The announcement of her appointment as campus director was made by Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses. Carrick currently serves as assistant director for academic planning and e-learning, and coordinator for nursing programs at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. She holds a doctoral degree in administration and leadership studies in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Penn State.
“Dr. Carrick brings to her new role nearly 25 years of dedicated service to Penn State, including 11 years at Penn State Shenango,” said Hanes. “We will benefit from her expertise and long-standing engagement in the University and our Commonwealth Campuses.”
“I am thrilled to be coming back to the Shenango campus where I was inspired to further my education in nursing,” said Carrick. “Growing up in New Castle, I received my RN (registered nurse) degree from St. Francis Hospital and then my first job at Sharon Regional Hospital. It was at Sharon Regional that I decided to take a course at Penn State Shenango.”
Carrick will be reacquainted with colleagues and the campus over the next several weeks.
