Dr. James “JD” Fisher, interim president of PennWest University, has been named one of City & State Pennsylvania’s 2026 “50 Over 50” honorees. 

The recognition honors leaders over age 50 who have made significant contributions to their communities and continue to help shape Pennsylvania’s future. Honorees were selected by the publication’s editorial team in conjunction with its advisory board following a research and nomination review process. 

A western Pennsylvania native and Edinboro University graduate, Fisher spent 26 years teaching and serving in leadership roles at Edinboro and PennWest before returning as interim president in August. 

He previously served as interim vice chancellor and chief academic officer for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and as PennWest’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. His career also includes more than two decades as a professor of politics and legal studies at Edinboro, where he taught constitutional law, American politics, and political theory. 

“It is an honor to be recognized alongside people whose work has made a difference across Pennsylvania,” Fisher said. “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues whose talent, dedication, and generosity make a lasting difference in students’ lives. This recognition is an opportunity to celebrate that shared commitment and the communities we serve.” 

Fisher and his fellow honorees will be featured in City & State Pennsylvania’s Oct. 26 special edition and online at https://www.cityandstatepa.com/power-lists/2026/10/cspa-2026-fifty-over-50/416766/