SELINSGROVE, Pa. - The chair of Susquehanna University's board of directors, Samuel D. Ross, Jr., announced today that Sara G. Kirkland will be appointed acting president when 16-year president Joel Cunningham leaves in July to become president and vice chancellor of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. Kirkland has served as Susquehanna's vice president for university relations since 1985.

The executive committee of the board chose to appoint an acting president because it is not likely that a new president will be in place by the beginning of the fall semester. "The presidential search is progressing very well," said Ross, "and the pool of candidates is quite strong. But the caliber of individuals the search committee is looking at also means it is less likely that the successful candidate would be able to leave their current post to come to Susquehanna by the end of summer. We also felt it was important to let the campus community know what interim arrangements will be before this academic year ends."

As vice president for university relations, Kirkland has provided leadership for two highly successful capital campaigns, helped increase the name recognition and visibility of Susquehanna on a national and regional basis, and strengthened the university's ties with alumni, friends, parents, and other constituencies important to Susquehanna. As a member of the president's senior staff, she has participated in strategic planning and policy-making. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Duke University and master of arts degree from the University of Hawaii.

"Sara Kirkland has been an important part of Susquehanna University's success story over the past 15 years," said Ross. "Her knowledge and experience make her an excellent choice to lead the university during this time of transition."

Cunningham, who has been president of Susquehanna University since 1984, announced in January his decision to leave the university at the end of the current academic year. Kirkland's appointment as acting president will be effective July 22, 2000.

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