Title: ELCA's Susquehanna University President Accepts New Position
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
January 12, 2000
ELCA'S SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ACCEPTS NEW POSITION
00-07-MR
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. Joel L. Cunningham, president of Susquehanna
University, Selinsgrove, Pa., will become vice chancellor and president
for the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., in July. Cunningham
served as president of Susquehanna -- one of 28 colleges and
universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America -- for more
than 15 years.
Cunningham began his tenure at Susquehanna in 1979, serving as
vice president for academic affairs, professor of mathematical sciences
and dean of faculty until 1984, when he was appointed acting president.
In 1985 he was elected 13th president of Susquehanna University. Under
Cunningham's leadership, Susquehanna's endowment grew from $4 million to
$90 million, and $60 million has been committed to new and renovated
facilities.
"It is painful to leave an academic community such as the one that
my wife Trudy, and I have loved at Susquehanna University for more than
20 years, but it is also exhilarating to think of being able to
contribute to the continued development of excellence, innovation and
community at Sewanee, an institution of very special character and
promise," Cunningham said.
He added that the decision was not an easy one. "The choice for
us between staying here and going there was a nearly impossible one
between strongly attractive alternatives. In the end we have decided to
accept the new challenges, at least in part because I believe this is a
great time for Susquehanna to find its next leader. As a result of the
hard work and generosity of many people, Susquehanna is thriving. I
believe the university will be able to choose its next president from
among an outstanding group of prospects," Cunningham said.
Raised in Oak Ridge, Tenn., Cunningham received a bachelor of arts
degree in mathematics and psychology from the University of Chattanooga
(now the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) in 1965. He earned a
master of arts degree in 1967 and a doctorate degree in mathematics from
the University of Oregon in 1969. Cunningham was a mathematics
professor at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, from 1969 to 1974,
before serving the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a faculty
member and dean of continuing education for five years.
From 1976 to 1977 Cunningham received a fellowship in academic
administration from the American Council on Education with the
chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the president
of the University of Tennessee system.
"I am sorry to see Joel and Trudy Cunningham leave Susquehanna
because they have been so much a part of the university's success, but
at the same time I understand their desire to pursue a new challenge,"
said Samuel Ross, chair of Susquehanna's board of directors.
"We are grateful to President Cunningham for his leadership,
dedication and vision, which has helped Susquehanna achieve the level of
excellence it enjoys today," Ross said.
Ross said he plans to appoint a search committee soon to find a
successor to Cunningham.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
|