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Message from Dr. McNairy

Millersville University’s President, Francine G. McNairy has announced her retirement.

Dear University Community,

Dr. Francine G. McNairy

After nearly forty rewarding years of a professional career in public higher education, I have decided that it is now time for me to retire.  Accordingly, I have informed the Chairman of the University’s Council of Trustees and the Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education of my desire to step down as Millersville University’s thirteenth president, effective January 30, 2013. It has been an awesome journey, and I have been privileged to have served as your president these last eight years, as provost the previous nine years.  Each member of the faculty, staff and student body has contributed to the spark that has ignited my passion to serve as your president.

Millersville University is a very special place.  When I arrived as provost, it was faculty and the staff who taught me that you contributed your time, expertise, passion, skills and other resources to this University because you love the institution and respect each other.  I quickly learned that you were motivated by the opportunity to continually and collectively build an outstanding, high performing university.  Millersville University is exceptional and poised to excel even more in the future because of that collective spirit, commitment and value system.

I will always treasure these years with you and what we have accomplished together:

  • full re-accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2020);
  • the anticipated closing of our $85 million capital campaign by the fall of 2012, emphasizing important future directions of student/faculty research and equipment, civic engagement, the arts, scholarships, global opportunities and students’ personal responsibility for health;
  • the near completion of the University’s 20-year facilities master plan (only the library renovation and expansion remain and that construction is currently underway);
  • academic programs of national distinction;
  • a strong admissions and enrollment outlook;
  • a solid financial base and steady fiscal direction, although there might continue to be ups and downs in this area for the next few years;
  • a new institutional identity program that has increased public recognition of the outstanding quality of the University;
  • the establishment of a foundation for transforming the University to enhance its competiveness and quality for the future;
  • the strides we have made in attracting and retaining a faculty and staff of extraordinary quality and diversity;
  • and, most importantly, the opportunities I have had to interact with our amazing students, to watch them grow and mature as productive citizens and potential leaders in their communities.

Because of the challenges we have addressed and the many friendships I have made, both inside and outside the University, this has not been an easy decision; but it is the right decision.  The time is now right for new leadership, by someone who will make a long-term commitment to leading the University toward achievement of new aspirational goals.

As is our practice, my announcement gives the University trustees and the Chancellor the needed time to conduct a search for a new president.  In the near future, I am sure you will hear more about this process.  It also gives me time to begin making plans for this next phase of my life.

In the meantime, I strongly believe that the transition period should not be a time of “running in place.”  Our planned transformation is appropriate for our needs, our community and this region.  It is important to continue the University’s momentum in this endeavor, thereby assisting the new president in moving forward from a position of strength based on thoughtful deliberation.

I am grateful for the support of the Board of Governors and the University community.  Thank you for all that each of you has done to help me grow as a president and for investing your passion in Millersville University.  I am also appreciative for the support given by the Council of Trustees.  The members of the Millersville University Trustees have been, and are, committed to the University.  They are exceptional counselors as well as appropriate risk takers in supporting University decisions, actions and advocacy agendas.  So many times, the trustees have led the way within PASSHE on issues of academic freedom, annual legislative meetings, performance funding and fiscal planning.  Millersville trustees have set the bar high for leadership that enables the faculty, staff and administration to continually pursue excellence.

I look forward to this, my last, year and our work together to fulfill the promise to our students for an educational opportunity that is second to none.

Francine G. McNairy

President

7 replies on “Message from Dr. McNairy”

Dr. McNairy, thank you for your leadership and service, from a member of the Class of 1983.

Dear President McNairy,

In response to your letter I wish to show my personal appreciation for all your dedication and support for the students. As part of the music department, I am sure I am joined by all my musical peers when I say a huge “Thank you!” for demonstrating such esteem for the music students. This was evident by your surprise visits during rehearsals, and your loyal attendance at our concerts.

I wish you all the best in this new step of your admirable journey. God be with you in the remainder of the year!

Sincerely,

Christina

Hello Dr. McNairy my name is Shahfin Timmons, more than likely you don’t know me however I am a recent graduate of Millersville University class of “07”. I read the message and see that you are retiring soon I wanted to congratulate you on all you accomplishments and I hope this last year is a great one for you.
Millersville has helped me start my own business in which I help residential consumers and major corporations save money on their monthly expenses and services. I would love to have an opportunity to share my company with you and if there is anyway I can help the University save money in any area that I can.
Millersville helped provide me an environment in which I could progress and move forward in life. I am very thankful for what the university has provided for me and now my family. I would like to see if I can help the university out in that area if possible. I know that you are extremely busy and your time is limited but would love to have the opportunity to at least share and see if there is a way that I can help. Thanks for you time, hope your last year goes well, congrats on all your success and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Thanks again and congrats
Shahfin Timmons
Millersville “07”

Dr. McNairy:

You will be missed! I greatly appreciate all that you have done for the University and wish you well in your retirement.

Thomas Marks
MA History
2010

Fran:
Congratulations on taking or planning the big step. As always, I look forward to seeing you throughout the year. I hope one event will be my daughter’s anticipated graduation in May. I look forward to hearing about your plans.
Also, on another subject, did you take any steps with your Lionel antiques? I am still very interested if you haven’t disposed of them.
Take care!
Bill

Dr. McNairy,

I was shocked to hear this announcement last night from a relative and current student. I cherished my MU experience lead by both you and former President Caputo.

What makes your leadership so special to me and countless other students is the personal touch you add to an intimate college town. While you faced a vast array of challenges and difficult decisions throughout the years, you never lost sight of your passion- the students. You were (and are) often seen walking around campus casually interacting with students. Along with your many accomplishments as both Provost and President, this genuine connection with the campus community will be a large part of your legacy at Millersville.

God bless you in your future endeavors, and don’t forget to indulge in some chocolate dessert from the catering department before 2013! You deserve it!

With admiration,
Nathan

I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. McNairy and the amazing transformation the University and Millersville community has enjoyed during her time as President. Thank you for investing your passion in the students, Alumni and Millersville University. Thank you for providing future students with the opportunity for an affordable and excellent college experience. You will be missed and I hope that you will not go far from Millerville, but more inportantly not far from education.

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