Chancellor of Pa. university system to step down in '08

HARRISBURG - The chief executive of Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities gave notice yesterday that she plans to resign more than a year from now, citing a desire to pursue other opportunities.

Judy G. Hample, who was appointed chancellor of the State System of Higher Education in August 2001, said she will step down from her $327,718-a-year job by July 31, 2008.

"I've been thinking about this for a few months, and I've decided it's time for me to move on," Hample said in an interview yesterday afternoon.

Hample, 59, who is one of the state's highest-paid employees, will leave one year before her current contract is set to expire in 2009.

Previously chancellor of Florida's university system, she became the second chancellor of Pennsylvania's system, which was founded in 1983.

Hample said the timing of her announcement was intended to give the system's governing board enough time to appoint a successor before she leaves.

Gov. Rendell and Kenneth M. Jarin, the board chairman, praised Hample for achievements that included boosting the system's enrollment to record levels - from less than 100,000 to more than 109,000 - and improving student retention and graduation rates.

The union representing 5,500 university professors, which is negotiating with Hample's administration for a contract to replace the one that will expire Saturday, gave Hample mixed reviews.

Pat Heilman, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, said Hample had successfully lobbied for more funding and helped the universities earn national recognition for their academic quality. But Heilman criticized Hample for implementing certain academic policy changes without consulting faculty.

Hample said her biggest disappointment was that "I have not been able to convince the faculty union leadership that I am . . . their strongest advocate in Harrisburg."

The state system schools are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock, and West Chester Universities.