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 spent 20 years growing from an associate professor to the dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. We reluctantly left the area in 2006 to pursue opportunities elsewhere, and although it was a great privilege to be the president of my alma mater, Florida State, it felt even better to come home.
In 2014, I was drawn back to this University because of the culture of Penn State — our mission in service to society and an attitude of always wanting to do more and do better. It’s no secret that I came to Penn State in a time of turmoil, and I was greatly honored to be entrusted with the task of steadying the ship and guiding Penn State forward. I hope that you will agree that Penn State is in a very solid place as I prepare to turn over the reins to President-elect Neeli Bendapudi, who I’m confident will lead Penn State with integrity and intelligence.
My retirement this May is bittersweet. While I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing my hobbies (painting, hiking, rock finding, and walking my son’s two dogs), I will greatly miss the wonderful community, beautiful surroundings and many opportunities found at our University.
During my time at Penn State, I have met incredible individuals — from ambitious students; to exceptional, hardworking faculty and staff; to enthusiastic, generous alumni and friends; to the community members who collaborate and support Penn State in so many ways. In particular, I was humbled by how the entire University community stepped up to continue serving others during a global pandemic. The people I have met have made serving as president a privilege and pleasure.
I’m extraordinarily proud of all that we have achieved together: a top 1% world ranking; a comprehensive approach to access and affordability; 18 research fields in the top 10; record research expenditures that topped $1 billion; a decade of ranking in the top five for corporate recruiting; an enviable bond rating; an all-time record for philanthropy; a truly remarkable success in entrepreneurship and innovation; and so much more.
Molly and I are grateful for the support and spirit that we have experienced at University Park and on Penn State campuses across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Thank you to all of you — the Penn State family — who have all been part of my family’s journey. We are better for knowing you and lucky to have been part of a place that makes saying goodbye so very hard.
Penn State and State College have been a part of my life for nearly three decades and will remain in my heart forever.
Molly and I look forward to visiting in the future, and we can’t wait to watch Penn State continue to thrive in the years to come.
Pres. Eric Barron, thank you for and congratulations on your long and fruitful commitment to Penn State where I once worked as a Research Associate and which since then have supported from afar like now from Vermont. I wish you, Molly, and your family all the best on the occasion of your retirement on May 8.
Thank you President Barron and Molly for everything you’ve done for students, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Penn State as a whole. You’ve made a tremendous and lasting impact! Wishing you the best in your next chapter.
Thank you President Barron and Molly for representing us so well.
President Barron and Molly, thank you for your time spent here as President of Penn State and for all of your contributions. Karen Blair 3x PSU lifetime alumnus.
Thank you President Barron. An alumnus for 5 decades, I can honestly say that you have been the best president in many generations. Thank you for your care, kindness, wisdom, courage and leadership. All the best to you and your family are you enter the next chapter of your life.
Dear Eric:
I feel privileged to have been introduced to you in person by my dear friend, colleague, and host, the late Barton Browning, at a summer, 2019 reception at the President’s House. I recall your taking time out to show us some of the extraordinary rock samples that were on prominent display–but I also recall your discussing with Barton (a former Faculty Senate President, after all) and myself the “state of Penn State”, so to speak. While I personally tried to show my appreciation to Penn State’s Liberal Arts by creating an endowment for this School I can only admire your own fund raising efforts that have brought this institution to what I can only see as a pinnacle when compared with the level that I encountered when I joined in 1979 … . I cherish the 25 years that I was able to teach and, ultimately, lead the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures for the last 4 years of my career.
Best wishes to you and Molly–may (both of) your retirement years be filled with peace, joy, and the blessing of good health –
Gerhard F. Strasser
Thank you, Dr. Barron and Mrs. Barron, for your commitment and leadership during your time at PSU. Your regular communication with the Penn State Community, whether we were at University Park or at the Commonwealth campus, was valuable to all of us and reaffirmed the University values. I enjoyed seeing both of you interacting with people in the parking lots during football games. May you have a well-deserved retirement and enjoy the next chapter of your life.
With thanks to you Dr. Barron and Molly, particularly for your humanity and care for the members of the University community during the pandemic. Your regular presence and communication, your strength and support, and your resolve that Penn State would make it through this are all deeply appreciated. May you enjoy your well-earned and well-deserved retirement.