James Steffy Named Interim President at Muhlenberg College
The Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees has named James Steffy interim president. The announcement came after a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.Friday, August 16, 2002 01:58 PM
The Muhlenberg College Board of Trustees has named James Steffy interim president. The announcement came after a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Steffy will serve as interim president while the College conducts a national search. He will begin his duties August 19. Arthur Taylor served as President from August 1992 until July 2002. Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Kent Dyer has been the acting president since June 12.
“Jim 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,” says John M. Heffer, Chair of the 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 and 17 at Muhlenberg College. He has been affiliated with Muhlenberg College since 1985.
Steffy joined the faculty at Susquehanna University 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. Steffy filled two senior management positions during those years, 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 a vice president. He retired in December 1999. Since that time, he has remained as a consultant to the College for major capital projects.
A native of Reading, Pa., Steffy attended the Curtis Institute of Music and holds a bachelor of science from West Chester University. He earned his master of education degree from Pennsylvania State University.
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a highly selective liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
