MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN, CAL U COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES
Posted on May 17, 2012
FROM: Mr. Robert Irey
Chairman, Council of Trustees
California University of Pennsylvania
TO: Our campus community
The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has
chosen to take a new direction regarding the leadership of California
University.
At the close of business yesterday, Dr. Angelo Armenti Jr.’s tenure as
president ended, and our succession plan has been implemented.
As chairman of the California University Council of Trustees, I join my fellow
council members in assuming responsibility for the continued success of our
students, our mission and our campus. Provost Geraldine Jones will serve as
acting President, and we will begin a search for a new president in the near
future.
My fellow council members and I commend Dr. Armenti for his leadership and long
service to California University. Dr. Armenti’s dedication to our
students, and to the mission of this great University, has been unparalleled.
Under his leadership, Cal U raised its academic profile by hiring exceptional
faculty and working to obtain accreditation for every eligible program. He
established the University’s highly successful Global Online program, ranked
No. 1 in the nation for two years in a row.
Dr. Armenti defined Cal U’s mission of “building character and careers.” With
the continuing success of our students in mind, he organized the University’s
Internship Center and lifetime Career Services program. His forward-thinking Cal U Fusion initiative urged students
and faculty to embrace emerging technologies and step boldly into the future.
And in the spirit of Cal U for Life,
he called upon every member of the campus community to remain actively engaged
with their alma mater.
During his 20 years at Cal U, Dr. Armenti infused the campus with the
principles of Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7
Habits of Highly Effective People. He founded Cal U’s Character Education
Institute and personally offered 7 Habits
training to hundreds of students, faculty and staff. As president of the
world’s first FranklinCovey Leadership University, he shaped the Cal U Leader for Life leadership development
process.
Most dramatically, Dr. Armenti transformed our campus. His master plan guided
Cal U’s growth into a world-class institution that will stand as a lasting
legacy to his leadership and vision.
I wish to assure our faculty, staff, alumni, community partners and,
especially, our students that the Council of Trustees is committed to
maintaining California’s position as a leader not only in southwestern
Pennsylvania, but also within the State System of Higher Education.
I will keep you apprised as we begin the search for a new president to lead Cal
U.
Robert Irey
Chairman, Council of Trustees
California University of Pennsylvania
