Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors today appointed Dr. James "JD" Fisher to serve as interim president of PennWest University, effective Aug. 9. 

A native of western Pennsylvania, Fisher currently serves as interim vice chancellor and chief academic officer in the PASSHE Chancellor’s Office. He has deep ties to PennWest as an Edinboro University graduate, longtime faculty member and university leader.  

"Dr. Fisher's extensive experience at PennWest and deep understanding of our university make him exceptionally well prepared to lead during this transition," said J.D. Dunbar, chair of the PennWest Council of Trustees.  

"His collaborative approach and commitment to PennWest's students, faculty and staff have earned him respect across the university and throughout the State System. We are confident that his leadership will ensure continuity, sustain our momentum and position PennWest for continued success as we begin as we begin a new academic year." 

"It is a privilege to return to PennWest in this role," Fisher said. "This university has been an important part of my life and career, and I am honored by the opportunity to serve the PennWest community. I look forward to working alongside our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners as we build on the university's momentum and continue creating opportunities for student success." 

Before joining the Chancellor's Office, Fisher served as PennWest's interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, senior associate provost for academic administration and interim dean of the College of Social Sciences and Human Services.  

Prior to the integration that created PennWest, he held several leadership positions at Edinboro University, including interim provost and interim associate provost, and spent more than two decades as a professor of politics and legal studies, where his teaching and scholarly interests included constitutional law, American politics and political theory. 

"James Fisher understands PennWest, its people and the campus communities it serves," said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "His extensive academic and leadership experience will provide continuity as the university builds on the progress being made across its three campuses." 

"JD’s experience as a student, faculty member and academic leader has prepared him to lead with a clear sense of purpose," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "I am confident he will work collaboratively with the campus communities to advance PennWest’s mission, deliver an excellent education to students and guide the university forward." 

Fisher earned bachelor's degrees in political science and English from Edinboro University, a doctorate in political science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a law degree from William & Mary Law School. 

Fisher succeeds Dr. Jon Anderson, who was named president at Utah Valley University. 

As PennWest prepares to welcome students for the fall semester, Fisher will lead the university in advancing its strategic priorities and continuing its mission of providing affordable, accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives across its California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses and through Global Online.