Lake Erie College President Brian Posler to step down
May 9—Lake Erie College recently announced that President Brian Posler will step down effective June 30.
Posler's departure will close out his approximately seven-year tenure with the institution, noted an April 26 news release. The board of directors is working to develop a transition plan, with two administrators set to serve as interim leaders after he departs.
"Dr. Posler has made significant strides in getting Lake Erie College to where it is today," said board Chairman Stephen Perry in the release. "It has been a pleasure working with him, and I wish him the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his career."
The outgoing president noted that his tenure included the start of new partnerships with the city of Painesville.
One of those partnerships is the Painesville Promise, which Posler described as a program for "high-need, meritorious students who are residents of Painesville."
Students who qualify receive federal and state funding as well as local support from the city and college. Commuter students pay no out-of-pocket costs for tuition or fees, though residential students still pay for room and board.
The city's website noted that in addition to academic and financial requirements, eligible students must live in the city and attend Harvey or Riverside high schools.
Another recent partnership between the city, the college, local developers and Laketran involves the construction of new student housing on Painesville Square. A portion of the new facility is expected to open to students by early August.
The college's Now and Forever fundraising campaign also launched during his presidency.
"It had been a long time since Lake Erie College had done a comprehensive fundraising campaign, and so we set the ambitious goal of $40 million, which is a huge step forward for our college," Posler said.
He said the campaign has reached half of its goal so far, with funds coming from alumni, the local community and other supporters.
The release added that under Posler's tenure, the college faced the COVID-19 pandemic; advanced diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; constructed new equestrian facilities; and upgraded the school's technology infrastructure.
"Lake Erie has always been a wonderful small college," he said. "I think we're doing a better job of connecting to our local students, which has been very nice, and I think that we've definitely seen improvement in facilities and opportunities for students over the last several years. And so I think Lake Erie College has good momentum and will continue to get better and better in the Lake County community."
The release noted that Posler previously served in political science and leadership roles at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and the University of Southern Indiana near Evansville, Indiana, followed by a tenure as provost at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. He came to Lake Erie College in 2016.
"I have loved my time as the 12th president of Lake Erie College," he said in the release. "It has been my great honor to serve these students, and I will greatly miss many colleagues and the wonderful alumni. Although it will now be another's turn to lead this venerable institution, Christy and I will forever treasure the relationships we made here in Painesville."
Posler said that he does not have any future plans to announce at this time.
Chief Academic Officer Jennifer Kinnaird and Vice President of Advancement Jennifer Schuller will share leadership responsibilities after Posler departs, with the news release noting that "combined, they have over 50 years of experience in higher education."
Kinnaird will focus on "all academic and student affairs," while Schuller's responsibilities will include "all fundraising efforts" and "enrollment, athletics, financial aid and all business operations."
Associate Vice President for Advancement Aimee Bell noted that Posler will work alongside Kinnaird and Schuller before June 30. The board will discuss the transition plan in further detail at its May meeting.
