Danielle Kreider
Associate News Editor

President John Anderson recently appointed Dr. Richard Clark, department chair of earth sciences, to serve in the newly established position of first cabinet fellow. The position was established by the University to provide department chairs who may have an interest in advancing their career the opportunity to observe and participate in the discussions of the Millersville University president’s cabinet.

Dr. Richard Clark, President Anderson’s recent cabinet appointee.
Dr. Richard Clark, President Anderson’s recent cabinet appointee.

The president and his cabinet decided to establish this position as a professional development opportunity for department chairs. Dr. Vilas Prabhu, provost and vice president of academic affairs, stated that they are, “instituting this unique opportunity as an avenue to increase our internal candidate pool for potential administrative vacancies in the future. The cabinet fellow will experience firsthand the workings of a university president’s cabinet as they manage a modern American public university.”

This new position of cabinet fellow is considered a full member of the president’s cabinet. In accordance, they are expected to attend and participate in all the cabinet meetings. This appointment is made at the sole discretion of the president, and it serves for a one or two-semester term.

The responsibilities of the fellow are to review, consider, and offer input on university issues from an institutional perspective. These duties and responsibilities are performed outside the scope of the department chair’s normal duties. Any interested academic department chair is eligible.

“I appreciate the opportunity to experience firsthand and participate in the work of a university president’s cabinet,” stated Dr. Clark in response to how it feels to be appointed the first cabinet fellow.

“I think my institutional perspective is informed by my participation and experience gained as a current member of the Board of Trustees of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and as a former member of the Council of the American Meteorological Society,” said Clark. “These are large 501 © (3) not-for-profit, multifaceted organizations similar in many ways to universities in terms of budgets, personnel, programs, and even their mission. I hope that the experience gained serving these organizations at this level, coupled with a 26-year investment and deep commitment to Millersville, will help move the University forward.”

President Anderson is pleased to have Dr. Clark serve as the University’s first fellow. “Rich brings with him a wealth of knowledge as a long-time University employee, and his perspective as a faculty member will undoubtedly enrich our cabinet discussions. I look forward to working with him in this capacity,” stated Anderson.