SRU trustees recognize President William Behre for his five years of service
From left, Domenic Ionta, chair of Slippery Rock University’s council of trustees, presents a commendation of service to William Behre, who has served as SRU’s president since July 2018. Behre’s final day at SRU is June 30.
June 9, 2023
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University's council of trustees recognized SRU President William Behre for his service to the institution at the council's quarterly business meeting, June 9, at the Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center. Domenic Ionta, chair, presented a commendation of service on behalf of the trustees to Behre in recognition of his leadership over the last five years. Behre's final day at SRU is June 30.
"We appreciate Dr. Behre's commitment to serving the students, faculty and staff, and protecting the interests of the University," Ionta said. "He always recognized the University's position of strength and provided tremendous leadership during the last five years. Dr. Behre's foresight and guidance performed during his tenure will continue to benefit the University for years to come."
Behre, who became SRU's 17th president on July 1, 2018, helped the University honor commitments to improve inclusivity, affordability and community-engaged service-learning, all while navigating the SRU community through the global pandemic.
Among the achievements that occurred during Behre's tenure were the creation of the College of Health Professions; Butler SUCCEED, a community outreach center in downtown Butler; and the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Facility improvements included the completion of renovations to the Performing Arts Complex and new laboratories for SRU's four engineering programs, which graduated their first students in 2020, 2021 and 2023. SRU also remains one of the lowest-cost four-year colleges in Pennsylvania, as there were no tuition increases at SRU for four straight years.
Karen Riley, provost at Regis University in Colorado, will become SRU's next president, July 1.
The council also approved its officers and meetings dates for the 2023-24 academic year, as well as the University's order of succession:
Ionta and Joshua Young will remain council chair and vice chair, respectively, while Cierra Mitchell, a senior political science major from Pittsburgh, will serve as secretary. Mitchell was recently appointed to the council as the student representative.
The meeting dates for 2023-24 are Sept. 28-29, Dec. 7-8, March 21-22 and June 6-7.
The order of succession is a plan for executive management that is reviewed and updated each year if the president is temporarily unable to fulfill the responsibilities of the position or in the event of a vacancy.
Also at Friday's quarterly business meeting, the council heard the President's Report, received reports from its standing committees, and reviewed finance and divisional reports.
More information about the COT, including an online information binder from Friday's proceedings, is available on the council's webpage.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu