New Clarion University president named

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University, will become the next president of Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

The board of governors of the Pennsylvania State System announced Pehrsson's appointment Wednesday. The announcement was the culmination of a national search that began last fall.

Pehrsson, who starts July 1, was among two finalists for the post that the Clarion University Council of Trustees recommended to the Board of Governors in early May.

She replaces former Clarion President Karen Whitney, who left the university last fall to become interim chancellor of the State System.

Pehrsson, 63, will be paid an annual salary of $232,000 to serve the university, which has an enrollment of about 5,200 students.

“Dr. Pehrsson has an extraordinary range of professional experience, as a teacher, practitioner and administrator in both higher education and health care,” said Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira. “Her extensive background and commitment to students will serve Clarion University well as it strives to advance its mission of serving students, the community and the Commonwealth.”

Pehrsson has a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies from the State University of New York at Albany; a Master of Education degree in curriculum, instruction and supervision, a Master of Counseling degree, and a Doctor of Education degree in counselor education and counseling, all from Idaho State University. She also has associate degrees in nursing and liberal arts.

Debra Erdley is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-320-7996 or derdley@tribweb.com or via Twitter @deberdley_trib