HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU) is excited to announce that the search for the University’s next president is officially underway. This milestone comes during what has already been a year of progress and transition, as the University focuses its talents, resources, and energies on sustaining a world-class, innovative institution of STEM education.
“As we look ahead to the next chapter, the Board of Trustees has formed a Presidential Search Committee to identify and recruit a strategic, engaging, and entrepreneurial leader who will guide our institution forward,” said Michael Fiaschetti, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Under the leadership of its Interim President and an active Board of Trustees, and with the cooperation of a dedicated faculty and staff, the University has tackled a turnaround in addressing a variety of challenges facing higher education institutions. We are confident that the right president will help us build on our mission and momentum, strengthen our impact, and advance opportunities for every student we serve.”
Now celebrating its 25th year, Harrisburg University educates close to 10,000 learners each year, at every stage of their academic careers. HU offers high-school programs that ignite young imaginations; STEM-focused bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in engineering, technology, and health science; and continuing education for working professionals.
“The Presidential Search Committee includes a spirited and deeply engaged group of trustees, faculty, and administrative leaders who represent the full spectrum of HU’s academic mission and institutional priorities,” added Mr. Fiaschetti. “The Committee is co-chaired by Tim Weston and Dolly Lalvani, both longtime Board members and community leaders, who bring a deep commitment and solid understanding of HU to the task.”
Search Committee Chairs Tim Weston and Dolly Lalvani explained: “The Search Committee has unanimously defined its mission: to identify, attract, and select a leader who combines a deep dedication to HU’s mission and values as an academic institution focused on science and technology, with strong business and financial acumen, demonstrated management experience, and insightful and collaborative leadership.”
“As we reach out through our recruiting efforts across the nation, we urge those who know of potentially qualified candidates to bring this opportunity to their attention or send us their contact information.”
The Search Committee has engaged RPA Inc. as HU’s recruiting partner for this search. Further information regarding the recruitment process is available by contacting HUPresident@RPAInc.org.
Together, the committee will oversee a thoughtful, inclusive search process and identify a leader who embodies HU’s commitment to innovation and student success.
Year for Innovation and Growth
The presidential search begins at a time of renewed focus on HU’s core academic strengths and missions, supported by sound and responsible organizational and fiscal management.
In 2025, the University focused its academic programs into four schools: Analytics & Computational Sciences, Applied Media & Innovation, Engineering & Management, and Health & Science. Each school reflects HU’s future-focused approach to education and its investment in fields that are vital to Pennsylvania’s competitiveness, health, and quality of life.
This year also marked major advances in HU’s rapidly expanding health sciences portfolio, with the provisional accreditation for a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and growth of HU’s nursing master’s program. These programs strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline at a time when Pennsylvania faces difficult shortages in healthcare and clinical services.
HU also launched a series of STEM spotlight events for high-school students, giving learners from across the region direct access to HU’s labs, makerspaces, and world-class faculty. These events provide early exposure to high-demand fields such as forensic science, media design, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing – helping students imagine and pursue futures in the Commonwealth’s fastest-growing sectors.
Looking Ahead
“I continue to be impressed by the collective talents and insights of this Search Committee, and I’m deeply excited about the future of Harrisburg University,” concluded Mr. Fiaschetti.
The Search Committee has targeted the recruitment and selection process to proceed through the spring of 2026. The Search Committee anticipates, in the later stages of the process, having the top candidate(s) visit the campus and community, with opportunities for discussions with and feedback from a range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and community representatives.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges for 2025. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay connected by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
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