CONCORD – With a continued focus on efficiency and the delivery of high quality, affordable higher education, the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees voted last week to combine the university system’s chancellor position with the role of the president of the University of New Hampshire (UNH) on an interim basis. The UNH president/interim chancellor role will be in place through June 30, 2024, during which time the board will evaluate the efficacy of the combined new position. The presidents of Keene State College (KSC) and Plymouth State University (PSU) and the USNH chief administrative officer will continue to report to the board.

The USNH chancellor role has remained vacant since former Chancellor Todd Leach departed in June 2021. This period has allowed the board and administrative leadership to focus on the economic stability, growth and transformation of its institutions, and to evaluate which governance structure would best secure those outcomes while ensuring the preservation of the unique mission of each campus.

Effective immediately, UNH President James W. Dean, Jr. will serve as interim chancellor. In his expanded role, Dean will lead and ensure the success of UNH, including the current merger of UNH and Granite State College, while working with the other campus presidents to advance the interests of KSC, PSU and the overall university system.

About the University System of New Hampshire: The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) enrolls 30,000 students and consists of four public institutions: Granite State College, Keene State College, Plymouth State University and the University of New Hampshire. USNH strives to ensure the availability of appropriate and accessible higher educational opportunities throughout New Hampshire and addresses critical state workforce needs. A 29-member board of trustees is responsible for overseeing the university system.

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