Elliot Hirshman Named Stevenson ’ s Sixth President
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Elliot Hirshman Named Stevenson ’ s Sixth President
In March , after a nationwide search that began last June with more than 200 potential candidates , Stevenson named Elliot Hirshman , Ph . D ., as the University ’ s sixth president . Hirshman succeeds Kevin J . Manning , Ph . D ., Stevenson ’ s fourth president , who served from 2000-2016 , and Claire E . Moore , who has served as Stevenson ’ s Interim President since December 2016 .
Hirshman comes to Stevenson from San Diego State University ( SDSU ), where he has been president since 2011 . Under his leadership , SDSU implemented an integrated budget and financial strategy ; raised more than $ 755 million in private philanthropy for scholarships and new initiatives and programs ; and established and endowed its Honors College . SDSU is recognized nationally for increasing student retention and graduation rates — rates that are equal across ethnic and racial groups . Hirshman is currently a member of the NCAA Board of Directors and former chairman of the Mountain West Conference Board .
After a unanimous recommendation from the search committee , the Board of Trustees believes that Hirshman is the right leader to continue the transformation and growth of Stevenson and to take the institution to the next level . “ He is committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds achieve excellence and go on to personal and professional success ,” notes James B . Stradtner , Chair of the Board of Trustees .
Hirshman says that he is honored to join Stevenson University ’ s dynamic community . “ Stevenson ’ s unique integration of career preparation and the traditional liberal arts reflects the best traditions of American higher education while envisioning a future that serves our students and our communities ,” he adds . “ The University ’ s core values of community , learning , integrity , and excellence were evident in every aspect of the recruitment process . I am excited to work collaboratively with our diverse community to support these values .”
Prior to Hirshman ’ s appointment at SDSU , he served as provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Maryland , Baltimore County ( UMBC ).
“ Elliot is one of the nation ’ s most impressive thought leaders in education ,” said Freeman A . Hrabowski , III , President of UMBC . “ He has broad experience in all types of institutions , and he commands the respect of leaders throughout the United States . Most important , he cares deeply about students and understands the role that institutions play in developing their skills and preparing them for productive careers . When he was at UMBC , he showed us just how talented he is . If I had to use one word to describe him , it would be ‘ amazing .’ Baltimore is fortunate to have him returning to us , and we are very happy for Stevenson .”
Hirshman is happy to be returning to the Baltimore area . “ I spent a decade in Baltimore and my wife and I are excited to be coming back . It ’ s a great place so I really can ’ t wait to move back .” Hirshman has been married to his wife , Jeri , for nearly 28 years . A registered nurse , Jeri says that she enjoys participating in local and national film festivals . Their daughter , Wendy , graduated from Muhlenberg College and is now married and living in Northern Virginia . Their son , Nathan , is a student at the Duke University School of Medicine .
Previously , Hirshman was the chief research officer at George Washington University and chaired the Department of Psychology there and at the University of Colorado at Denver . He began his academic career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Hirshman earned his bachelor ’ s degree summa cum laude in economics and mathematics from Yale and his master ’ s degree and Ph . D . in cognitive psychology from UCLA .
Moore says , “ We are delighted and honored to welcome Dr . Elliot Hirshman and his family to our Stevenson community . He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in academic leadership , fundraising , and student life initiatives . Having worked previously at UMBC and having lived in the area , he is returning to a town he obviously loves . Dr . Hirshman has dedicated his career to promoting higher education and is committed to the success of all students , and we look forward to working with him and sharing his energy .”
2 | VENTURES / SPRING 2017