Osgood named president of Commonwealth University
Jeffery Osgood, who has been serving as the interim president of Commonwealth University since August, will be able to take the “interim” off his title as of Friday.
On Thursday, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) selected Osgood to become the president of the institution, which is based in the northern part of the state. Osgood has degrees in political science, public administration and urban and public affairs, and previously was the executive vice president and provost at West Chester University and worked at Western Kentucky University’s Center for Local Governments.
Osgood said in a news release, “When I joined this community in August, I expected to serve one year during an important moment in the university’s journey. What I found was a community defined by resilience, heart and an unwavering commitment to students. … It became clear very quickly that this was a place where I wanted to help shape what comes next.”
According to John Wetzel, chair of the Commonwealth University Council of Trustees, “Right from the start of his interim role, Dr. Osgood has infused the university with fresh energy and purpose. Through his courageous and vulnerable leadership, marked by extreme transparency and a willingness to confront realities head-on, he has restored strong confidence in the future we are building together for our students.”
Commonwealth University came into being in 2022, and combined the campuses of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities. PennWest University was a product of a similar consolidation, bringing together the campuses of California, Edinboro and Clarion universities.