Franklin & Marshall's business-oriented, non-academic president profiled by NYT

[Papa_Chicken]

<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05face.html?ref=education[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05face.html?ref=education&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Interesting story…here are the first few paragraphs-

Lancaster, Pa. — John Fry’s path to the presidency of Franklin & Marshall College fits none of the conventions of academic life. He did not earn a doctorate, did not teach or publish research and was never a department chairman or dean or provost.</p>

<p>Like a small but growing number of college and university presidents, Mr. Fry earned his stripes outside the classroom, on the business side of higher education. When he became Franklin & Marshall’s president six years ago, he arrived with unusual experience in administration, finance and neighborhood development. </p>

<p>The fruits of Mr. Fry’s expertise are evident throughout this small, bustling campus of 2,100 students in south-central Pennsylvania. </p>

<p>He supervised the building of a huge new complex for the life science and philosophy departments. He created a cozy coffee house and bookstore in the center of campus, as well as elegant houses for writers and an international center nearby. </p>

<p>He oversaw the conversion of four dormitories into residential colleges, and the development of a five-story complex with 130 apartments and retail space called College Row. </p>

<p>“I’ve built a lot of buildings and did a lot of land deals, but that to me is not the hard part,” said Mr. Fry, 47. “It’s fun.”</p>

<p>Such transformations were precisely what Franklin & Marshall’s board had in mind when it selected Mr. Fry in 2002. Donald K. Hess, who headed the search committee, said the curriculum had recently been revised, and many people thought the college needed someone to spruce up its finances, along with its image, admissions profile and relations with the community.

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