Kenneth Long named president of East Stroudsburg University

Staff Reports
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After almost two and a half years, East Stroudsburg University’s interim president has the job for the long term.

Kenneth Long officially got the nod from the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on Wednesday. He had been the interim president since July 2020 following Marcia Welsh’s retirement.

Long becomes ESU’s 14th president and first African American president. Prior to becoming interim president, he had been ESU’s vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer since 2013.

He has previous PASSHE stops at Kutztown University and Cheyney University, and held roles at the University of Toledo and DeVry University before that. Long has a Bachelor of Arts degree in math and political science from Drew University, and a Master of Business Administration from Monmouth University.

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“As the ESU leader for the past two years, Ken brings both innovation and stability to the university,” said PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein in a press release. “He is committed to listening to all voices and to the success of all students. His tremendous experience at ESU and the State System, combined with his engagement with the community, will benefit the university and the region. I look forward to continuing to work with him.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be chosen to lead East Stroudsburg University as president,” Long said. “Having been part of the Warrior Community for the past nine years, I am humbled by the opportunity to build on the university’s 129-year history of providing affordable post-secondary education in the region.

“I look forward to continue working with faculty, students, staff, administrators, alumni and the local community in advancing the mission of ESU, and for the university to continue contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region and commonwealth.”

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: PASSHE names Long 14th president of East Stroudsburg University