Penn State's Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses Madlyn L. Hanes announced on Wednesday, April 10, the appointment of Director Emeritus of Academic Affairs George W. Franz as interim chancellor of Penn Sate Brandywine, effective July 1.
The search for a new chancellor, to replace Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska, who has accepted a position as regional chancellor at University of South Florida St. Petersburg, will begin this summer.
Franz is a long-standing, accomplished member of the Brandywine community and is well acquainted with the campus' mission to provide high-quality, affordable education in the Philadelphia region. He taught history at the campus for three decades and served as director of academic affairs (DAA) from 1997 until his retirement in 2007.
"I am confident that Penn State Brandywine will benefit from his leadership and sense of community in this period of transition," Hanes said. "We are grateful to George for his willingness to serve at this critical juncture."
At the time of his retirement, Franz was lauded for his dedication to recruiting top-quality, innovative faculty. He was the recipient of the University's George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the McKay-Donkin Award for contributions to the welfare of faculty and was recognized by his colleagues for his leadership and contributions as a teacher, scholar and adviser with the Madlyn Hanes Award.
To honor Franz' commitment to hiring and retaining first-rate faculty, the campus created the George W. Franz Advising and Mentoring Award, which annually recognizes faculty or staff for their efforts in helping others achieve their potential.
During his tenure as DAA, Franz helped launch five four-year degree programs at Penn State Brandywine, including Business, Human Development and Family Studies, Information Sciences and Technology, Corporate Communication and Organizational Leadership.
Franz is an active community volunteer, serving on numerous non-profit boards and commissions, including the Chadds Ford Historical Society and Saint Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville.
He resides in Kennett Square with his wife, Kammy.
