About Dr. Armenti
DR. ANGELO ARMENTI, JR.
On May 19, 1992, Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. was appointed by the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education as the sixth president of California University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1852.
He holds a B.S. degree in physics from Villanova University, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Temple University in special and general relativity, respectively. He had a distinguished 20-year career at Villanova University prior to becoming president of California University. At Villanova he served as professor of physics, chair of the department of physics, dean of University College and director of planning.
In addition to scholarly publications in scientific journals, Dr. Armenti received the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1978 and was named an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow in 1992, one of only 32 individuals selected nationally for this recognition. His book, "The Physics of Sports," commissioned by the American Institute of Physics, remains in print since its initial publication in 1992.
Since Dr. Armenti's arrival at California University in 1992, applications have increased by 90%; average SAT scores have increased by 113 points; FTE enrollments have increased by 43%; and four-year graduation rates have increased by 94%. Many new academic programs have been initiated, including Master of Social Work (MSW); Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT); Master of Science in Multi-Media Technology; Physical Therapy Assistant; Sports Management; Graphic Design; Computer Engineering Technology; Criminal Justice; Legal Studies; and Commercial Music Technology.
Other University accomplishments since his arrival as president include: creation of an Athletic Hall of Fame; three national championship teams (two in women's softball and one in women's basketball); a successfully completed $13 million (first ever) capital campaign; a second capital campaign that is currently on schedule to reach its $35 million goal; a twenty-fold increase in endowment funds; the adoption by the University of the core values of Integrity, Civility and Responsibility; the adoption of a University Bill of Rights and Responsibilities; the creation of the University Forum, a new governance structure; the adoption of a new general education curriculum; the implementation of a $200 million master plan, including the building of the Eberly Science and Technology Center, the Kara Alumni House, the Duda Classroom Building, a 6,000-seat Convocation Center and six modern new residence halls; the renovation or expansion of numerous other buildings on campus; and the creation of a major off-campus site at Southpointe.
Dr. Armenti has been active with the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and has served as campaign chair and president of the Mon Valley United Way. He is a member of the board of directors of the Washington County Redevelopment Authority, a member of the board of directors of the Greater Pittsburgh Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and president of the Commission of Presidents of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. He is married to the former Barbara Malinowski, and together they have five grown children and nine grandchildren. His avocations include piano, photography and sailing.
