Hennigan Announces Retirement as President of Point Park
President Paul Hennigan on Fourth Avenue on Point Park's Downtown Pittsburgh campus. Photo by John Altdorfer.
Dr. Paul Hennigan has notified the Board of Trustees that he will retire from the Presidency of Point Park University in the summer of 2021.
“I am honored to have worked with so many talented people affiliated with Point Park over the past 20 years. Together, we have built so much that has influenced the lives of so many. The summer of 2021 will be a perfect time for new leadership at Point Park,” Hennigan said.
“Hopefully, the world will be out of the worst of the pandemic, and it will be good for a new leader with new ideas and new energy to work with the University community to develop the next vision and strategic plan for Point Park University. It should be an exciting opportunity for the University to help define a new era for higher education.”
Outstanding leadership
“The Board is deeply grateful to Dr. Hennigan for 16 years of outstanding leadership as president of the University. The Board also wants to recognize and thank Colleen Hennigan for her many years of service and inspiration to the University,” said Joe Greco, chairman of the board.
Greco said Hennigan has accepted the Board’s offer to consult with the University on a number of strategic initiatives, including the presidential transition, community relations, alumni engagement and fundraising.
“We know this year will present significant pandemic-related challenges for higher education and our University,” Greco said. “The Board is confident in Dr. Hennigan’s ability to continue to lead the University during this difficult time.”
Hennigan started his career at Point Park in 2000 as vice president of finance and operations. He was named acting president in January 2006 and president in September 2006. In what will be a 21-year senior leadership career at Point Park, the University has many significant accomplishments under his leadership, including the completion of the new Pittsburgh Playhouse and the Center for Media Innovation, and the development of a University-wide undergraduate cooperative education program.
Focused on student learning
“As a 1971 graduate of Point Park, I have watched the school manage through several difficult circumstances, and emerge better and stronger,” Greco said. “I am confident that we will work together to stay focused on student learning and, and manage our way through this present set of challenges.”
The executive committee of the board has interviewed search firms and selected WittKieffer as the search consultant.
Text by Lou Corsaro
Photo by John Altdorfer
The Point is the online magazine of Point Park University