Adelphi, MD (Feb. 16, 2016)—The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents has appointed Ronald Nowaczyk as president of Frostburg State University (FSU), one of USM’s 12 institutions. Nowaczyk is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. He will join Frostburg as president on May 9, 2016.
"Ron Nowaczyk has the experience to lead and grow a comprehensive campus in today's challenging environment,” said USM Chancellor Robert L. Caret. “He is a great fit on both a personal and professional level for the Frostburg community and Western Maryland. I believe he will bring the energy, vision, and strategic leadership the campus needs to move forward."
Developing an academic strategic plan focused on increasing student enrollment and graduation rates.
Before joining Clarion, Nowaczyk served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Haven (2006-2011), associate vice chancellor for economic and community development at East Carolina University (2003-2006), and chair of East Carolina University’s Department of Psychology (1998-2002). He also was on the faculty of Clemson University’s Department of Psychology (1978-1998). His other professional experiences include serving as a visiting scientist at the Institute for Computer Applications in Science and Engineering at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, and as a visiting human factors research consultant at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Lincroft, NJ.
Active in the communities where he’s worked, Nowaczyk has served on the boards of the Northwest (PA) Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance, and in North Carolina’s Pitt County, the boards of the United Way, The ARC, and the American Red Cross.
Nowaczyk earned his doctoral and master’s degrees from Miami University of Ohio and his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, all three in psychology.
Since July 1, 2015, Tom Bowling has served as FSU’s interim president, following Jonathan Gibralter’s departure to join Wells College (NY) as president. When Nowaczyk joins FSU in May, Bowling will return to his former position as vice president for student affairs.
The appointment of Nowaczyk follows nearly 10 months of work by the search and screening committee appointed in April 2015. Thomas G. Slater, an FSU alumnus and member of the USM Board of Regents, chaired the committee, which included representatives from the FSU faculty, staff, student body, alumni, and greater community. The committee recommended finalists for consideration by Chancellor Caret and the Board of Regents. The board made the final appointment.
Frostburg State University prides itself on its small classes led by excellent professors; its students’ access to internships, study abroad, and other experiential opportunities; and a strong commitment to community service. Enrollment numbers more than 5,600 undergraduate, master’s level, and doctoral students. Located in Frostburg, the university is recognized as Western Maryland’s educational and cultural center. For more information about FSU, visit: www.frostburg.edu.
Note: Dr. Nowaczyk's name is pronounced No-WA-check.