Long time West Chester University faculty member Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino has been named the school’s interim president.
The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education on Thursday appointed Dr. Christopher M. Fiorentino, vice president for external operations at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, to serve as the university’s interim president effective April 1.
The selection of Dr. Fiorentino, who has served in his current position since 2013 and previously spent a decade as dean of WCU’s College of Business and Public Affairs, was made in consultation with West Chester University’s Council of Trustees Chair Thomas A. Fillippo.
“Dr. Fiorentino has been at West Chester for more than 20 years, as a faculty member, a dean and a vice president. He has a firm understanding of the university and its mission,” said Board of Governors Chairman Guido M. Pichini. “We are confident he will continue to provide strong leadership to the institution while we search for a new, permanent president.”
Dr. Fiorentino joined the economics faculty at West Chester in 1983 and was named dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs in 1993. He has been active in numerous leadership roles on campus, helping to secure AACSB International accreditation for the School of Business; developing off-campus academic centers, including the Graduate Center in West Goshen Township and the Philadelphia Center; and working with faculty and supporters to create the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center.
He also has represented the university throughout the region, including serving as a member of the West Chester Business Improvement District Board, leading a task force that recommended improvements to Chester County’s budgeting and financial management processes; and launching the Center for Community Solutions, which connects regional government and non-profit organizations with WCU experts to address community needs.
“Strong university leadership is especially important during a period of transition,” said State System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan. “Dr. Fiorentino has demonstrated his leadership abilities throughout his career. His familiarity with the institution and the vital role it plays in the region and the Commonwealth—and within the State System—will be invaluable as he assumes the responsibilities of interim president.”
Dr. Fiorentino will become interim president at West Chester upon the departure of Dr. Greg R. Weisenstein, who has announced his intention to retire at the end of March. Dr. Weisenstein came to West Chester as president in March 2009.
A search for a permanent president for West Chester will begin later this year.
Dr. Fiorentino holds three degrees in economics—a baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D.—all from Temple University.
