Dateline: May 21, 2019

The Athens State University Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Philip Way as the 37th president of Athens State University. The appointment was made after a unanimous vote by Board members at its meeting on Friday, May 17.

Way, who currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and previously served as interim president at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, succeeds Dr. Robert “Bob” Glenn, who resigned from Athens State in July 2018. Way was selected through nationwide recruitment led by Academic Search that included an in-person interview with the University’s search committee, on-campus forums with faculty, staff, and students, and an interview session with the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Way holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Industrial and Business Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Selwyn College, Cambridge University. He also completed the Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship and Visiting Fellowship at Harvard University. Dr. Way has over 30 years’ experience as a faculty member and administrator in higher education, serving over 20 years at the University of Cincinnati and over six years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before his time at Slippery Rock.

“The Board members were impressed with Dr. Way’s breadth and depth of experience as a scholar and senior-level administrator in higher education,” stated Mr. Ronnie Chronister, Board of Trustees Chairman. “His focus on student success aligns well with the mission of Athens State University, and we feel that he will be an asset to this institution.”

A press conference where Mr. Chronister officially made the announcement on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Way addressed the media and members of the University community. “I am pleased to be joining such a fine institution that is clearly dedicated to student achievement,” stated Dr. Way. “I am optimistic about what the future holds for Athens State University, our students, our employees, and our community.”

Way is scheduled to begin his duties on August 1.