On behalf of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees, I join the entire Plymouth State community in welcoming Dr. Donald Birx as the 15th president of PSU.
Mark Corliss photo.
After a nationwide search, it was quickly apparent to everyone that Don was the best person for the job, an opinion that led to the unanimous affirmation vote of the board of trustees.
Don has a background that is balanced in both private and public roles. Prior to beginning his academic career at New Mexico State University at Las Cruces, he worked at Systems Research Laboratories as a vice president in charge of technology and new ventures. His private industry experience will be especially valuable given the changing world of higher education. University presidents are expected to think more like CEOs and have a strong understanding of both the financial and operational aspects of running institutions in highly competitive environments. They must maximize the students’ academic experience while delivering it at the most affordable price possible. Don has the experience, expertise, and drive to assure PSU’s long-term success.
A creative thinker who works collaboratively with faculty and staff, Don has already laid out a new educational approach (read more about it here). As PSU looks to the future, the campus will be focused on providing educational opportunities in interdisciplinary clusters. This innovative approach, while continuing to build on PSU’s heritage of engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary learning, will allow students to take part in “open laboratories,” interfacing with faculty, alumni, external industry, and non-profit partners to create a robust learning environment. Don shared this direction with the USNH Board of Trustees, and his idea was met with great support and enthusiasm. Students, the region, and the state will benefit from creative solutions and scholarship that will result from this cluster-based model.
Don strongly embraces aligning PSU’s strategic strengths with the region and the state, which will allow the University to play an even greater role in promoting economic vibrancy in the Lakes Region and North Country. The board of trustees supports his vision that takes the traditional town-gown relationship to a new level by becoming a more focused economic partner with community and business leaders.
These are exciting times at Plymouth State University, and the board of trustees is pleased to have President Donald Birx leading the mandate for change. We have great confidence in the collective abilities on campus to deliver a new model that reflects the university of the twenty-first century—one that is focused on providing students with a first-class educational experience and being an economic engine that benefits the region and state’s economy.
We wish Don a long and successful tenure and look forward to great work from PSU!
Pamela Diamantis
Chair, Board of Trustees
University System of New Hampshire
