Retired PSWS Chancellor, Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, has been granted Professor Emerita status by the University. The announcement was made by University President Eric Barron in a recent letter announcing the honor.
"It is a pleasure to acknowledge your significant contributions to the University with the granting of Emerita rank," Dr. Barron wrote. "I am deeply appreciative of your leadership, dedication and commitment to the University's mission."
Dr. Krogh-Jespersen retired on June 30 after serving as Penn State Worthington Scranton's chancellor for 15 years. During her tenure, she helped advance both the campus' academic programs as well as its facilities.
Penn State Worthington Scranton now offers 10 baccalaureate degree programs, five associate degrees, four minor programs and a master's degree for nurse practitioners.
To support these expanded academic programs, Dr. Krogh-Jespersen updated existing facilities, creating a Science Suite, with new biology, chemistry and physics labs; spearheaded the construction of the Business Building to house the expanding business program at the campus; made upgrades to existing buildings, including a million-dollar renovation to the cafeteria, renamed The View Café; supported improvements to the library, which now houses a computer lab, group study areas and new furnishings; and championed the creation of new athletic fields, including the Matt McGloin Baseball Field, the UGI Utilities Softball Field and an improved soccer field, all of which are part of a multi-million dollar, multi-phase Athletics Facilities Renovation project.
Dr. Krogh-Jespersen also oversaw the creation of the David and Ann Hawk Student Success Center in the campus' Study Learning Center and made enhancements to the Nursing Suite, helping to secure funding to create a large classroom area and simulated patient (Sim-Man) room to help nurses develop diagnostic and treatment skills.
Over the past 14 years, Dr. Krogh-Jespersen also played an integral part in two successful University-wide fundraising campaigns. The For the Future Campaign exceeded the campus' $5 million goal, raising close to $7 million which included monumental growth in campus endowments.
"Mary-Beth has been a long-serving chancellor and colleague and has been an excellent steward of the University in the Greater Scranton area," said Dr. Madlyn Hanes, Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses for Penn State. "She leaves a wonderful legacy of leadership and community involvement. Among her many accomplishments the campus has added new programs and expanded its physical plant. The campus is a beautiful, welcoming place for our students."
