wfn.org | James Steffy Interim President at ELCA's Muhlenberg College

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 6, 2002

JAMES STEFFY INTERIM PRESIDENT AT ELCA'S MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
02-215-JB/MB*

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of trustees of Muhlenberg College,
Allentown, Pa., named James B. Steffy interim president, effective
Aug. 19.  Muhlenberg College is one of 28 colleges and universities
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     Steffy was vice president for administration and planning at
Muhlenberg College before he retired in 1999. Since then he has
served as a consultant to the college for significant capital
projects.  He is a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Allentown.
     Steffy will serve as interim president while the college
searches for a permanent president. Arthur R. Taylor was president
from August 1992 until July 2002. Kent Dyer, vice president for
finance and treasurer, had been serving as acting president since
June 12.
     "Jim (Steffy) is a professional of great integrity and is
dedicated and loyal to Muhlenberg. Over the years, he has built
positive relationships with faculty, staff, students and alumni,"
said John M. Heffer, chair, Muhlenberg College board of trustees. "We
are fortunate to have someone of his ability and breadth of
experience to take on this position. He is the right person for the
interim job."
     "I would like to thank Kent Dyer for his efforts," added
Heffer. "This appointment allows him and the entire management team,
which has served the college so well during the past several years,
to remain in their existing positions and return to their regular
duties. The trustees appreciate Kent's efforts, and those of the
entire management team."
     Steffy has been involved with higher education for more than 40
years, including 26 years at Susquehanna University, an ELCA higher
education institution, and 17 years at Muhlenberg College.
     A native of Reading, Pa., Steffy attended the Curtis Institute
of Music, Philadelphia, and holds a bachelor of science from West
Chester University, West Chester, Pa.  He earned a master of
education degree from Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
Pa.
     Steffy joined the faculty at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove,
Pa.,

in 1959, where he taught in the music department until 1982.  He
attained
the academic rank of professor, was music department chair for 12
years, and served as conductor of the university bands. During those
years, Steffy held two senior management positions, including one year
as acting vice president for academic affairs and three years as dean
of
continuing education. In 1982, he was named dean of academic services
and was responsible for the university's marketing and enrollment
planning, as well as academic records and continuing education.
     In 1985 Steffy spent a year as executive director of
Educational Ventures Inc., the Muhlenberg and Cedar Crest College
consortium for joint programs. In January 1986 Steffy was named
executive director for planning and administration at Muhlenberg
College and shortly thereafter was named vice president, a position
he held until retirement.
---
     * Michael Bruckner is vice president of public relations,
Muhlenberg College.

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