After seven years of successful leadership, West Chester University President, Greg Weisenstein, used his annual state-of-the university address to announce his plan to retire from WCU.  Weisenstein admitted that the decision was not an easy one for him and he could not hide his pride at having been a part of the WCU community.

“The university is getting close to the top of its game. We have record enrollments, record enrollment demand and record giving to the institution,” he said during his address. “We have a great group of young leaders emerging at the university. If there’s ever a good time for a presidential transition at a university, this is a good time for West Chester.”

Council of Trustees Chair, Thomas Fillippo, addressed the gathering in front of the University community, commending Weisenstein’s outstanding service to WCU.

“As chair of the Council and an alumnus of this great institution, I appreciate his far-reaching impact on West Chester University,” Fillippo stated, adding that “under his leadership, the University achieved new heights as one of America’s great comprehensive public universities.”

Contributions made by Weisestein truly cannot be overstated. He started his presidency tenure at the WCU in 2009, promptly implemented a comprehensive planning process resulting in the “Building on Excellence” strategic plan.

“I want to thank our entire community”- President Weisenstein announces this will be his final year at WCU pic.twitter.com/xJJZMUx5Bd

— West Chester U (@WCUofPA) October 1, 2015

During his seven years in the position, Weisenstein oversaw a period of record increases in enrolments which shot up 20 percent, from 13,621 to 16,609 students. This has positioned West Chester as the largest university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, as well as the fourth largest in southeastern Pennsylvania.

During his tenure, he helped diversify the university’s funding base to compensate for the reduction in state support from 32 percent to only 17 percent of its operating budget while simultaneously increasing the University’s annual economic impact on the region from $220 million to over $500 million during his nine years.