Digging Deeper a Blog by Dr. Eric Barron President of Penn State University
Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime

Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime

Eight years ago, Molly and I left the Sunshine State to return to Happy Valley, which was the place where I had lived for the longest stretch in my entire life. In State College we flourished in every sense of the word: We raised two children, found community, and I...

The importance of informed, respectful discourse

Last summer, the contentious national debate over COVID-19 vaccine mandates came to University Park when a group of vaccine mandate supporters gathered outside of Old Main along with a handful of counter-protestors. Sadly, the demonstration became physical, with an...

An Occasion for Reflection

An Occasion for Reflection

Each year, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, I honor his legacy by reflecting on our progress in becoming more diverse, equitable and inclusive. Many Penn Staters have personal memories of Dr. King. Some may have attended his speech in Rec Hall in 1965. Some...

Bio

Eric J. Barron was Penn State’s 18th president, retiring on May 8, 2022. A geologist at heart, he has studied the earth and its processes. He was a rock-solid leader from May 2014-2022, for our ever-evolving great public University. From day one, he rolled up his sleeves to dig in deeper to the issues impacting Penn State. The content of this website reflects Barron’s leadership communications during his tenure.

Fragments

A few bits of information you may not have known about President Barron:

Favorite Berkey Creamery flavor: Alumni Swirl

Best birthday present at age 9: A kit to test the hardness of rocks

Favorite sport to play: Racquetball

Athletics Master Plan

Tackling the Athletics Master Plan

Taking the Mystery Out of Admissions

Taking the Mystery Out of Admissions

Engaged Scholarship

Engaged Scholarship

This blog is no longer maintained.