Clarion University of Pennsylvania welcomed Dr. Karen M. Whitney as its 16th president on July 1, 2010. Since assuming the presidency, Whitney has led the university to articulate a mission to provide transformative, lifelong learning opportunities through innovative, nationally recognized programs delivered in inclusive, student-centered environments.
As president she is responsible for encouraging student, faculty, and staff success; equity and diversity; civic engagement; leadership; and the financial stewardship of the university.
Active professionally, Whitney is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), serving on its Committee on Economics and Work Force Development. Within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), she is a member of the Council of Presidents. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Board of Directors. Whitney has extensive experience in partnering with community organizations and civic leaders having served on a number of non-profit boards. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
Whitney has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Houston. She presents, teaches, researches, and writes in the areas of higher education finance, administration, law, student development, and student facilities.
President Whitney is joined at Clarion University with her partner, Dr. Peggy Apple and their dog, Clare.
