News

After Court Restores Research Funding, Trump Still Has Paths to Target Harvard

News

‘Honestly, I’m Fine with It’: Eliot Residents Settle In to the Inn as Renovations Begin

News

He Represented Paul Toner. Now, He’s the Fundraising Frontrunner in Cambridge’s Municipal Elections.

News

Harvard College Laundry Prices Increase by 25 Cents

News

DOJ Sues Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 Over Sanctuary City Policy

Penn President Takes Office

By Compiled FROM College newspapers

PHILADELPHIA--Fancis S. Hackney, a historian and former Tulane University president, took over as president of University of Pennsylvania on February 2, after a controversial four-month selection process that prompted student and faculty protest and a near lawsuit against the University trustees for nominating Hackney in private.

Hackney took office as the University's sixth president and 21st chief executive officer, replacing Martin Meyerson, whom the Trustees unanimously named as chairman of the University of Pennsylvania Foundation, a fundraising organization.

The new president promised to "go about decision-making in as humane and considerate a way as possible," adding that "It is possible for us to thrive."

On the president's first day in office, Benjamin Shen, acting provost, resigned, in a move that stunned the University. Citing a recent recurrence of a back ailment, Shen said he took on the position to help the University out of its temporary problems, but does not want to be considered for the permanent position of provost.

"I was very surprised," Paul Bender, faculty senate chairman said, adding that "We had no prior warning."

Meyerson exercised his presidential power for the last time by bestowing an honorary master's degree upon Hackney.

Meyerson described his tenure as president as a progressive one, citing the recent $255 million fund drive, and his administration's receptivity to student and faculty concern.

Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Tags