F.Eugene Dixon, Jr., founding chairman of the State System of Higher Education's Board of Governors, announced today his intent to resign from the Board in July.

Dixon was first named to the governing board of the 14 state-owned universities in January 1983, shortly after the creation of the State System. He has served as chairman ever since, having been appointed to the Board of Governors by three successive governors – Dick Thornburgh, Robert P. Casey and Tom Ridge.

"For the State System of Higher Education, Mr. Dixon has been a leader of enormous commitment," said Chancellor James H. McCormick. "He has been our foundation of support; our well of inspiration; our source of creativity and determination – always setting the pace for the ways and means to advance the State System.

"Chairman Dixon has exhibited his generosity in innumerable ways, and his roles have been equally numerous. He carved out time for us at any hour; he was the ever-present mentor and advisor, always encouraging us to press forward; and he was the selfless volunteer-servant and benefactor."

Upon the announcement of his plans to leave the Board, Mr. Dixon was praised by several of his fellow Board members, including state Rep. Jeffrey W. Coy, who said, "It may be possible to find a successor, but you won't find a replacement."

West Chester University of Pennsylvania President Madeleine Wing Adler, speaking on behalf of the 14 university presidents, said, simply, "Thank you," to Mr. Dixon for his many years of service to the State System. He was praised similarly by many others attending today's Board of Governors meeting.

Mr. Dixon plans to attend his last quarterly Board meeting on July 13 before stepping down. Among his official duties today was to appoint a nominating committee whose responsibility it will be to recommend the next Board chair.

Mr. Dixon's volunteer service to higher education extends beyond the State System. He previously chaired the boards of both Temple and Widener universities and also served on the boards of both the University of Pennsylvania and Lafayette College.

He has been a member of dozens of other boards and commissions, having served as chairman or presidents of several, including the Fairmount Park Commission, Delaware River Port Authority, Philadelphia Art Commission and the State Horse Racing Commission.

He is a limited partner in the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. Previously, Mr. Dixon owned the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and the Philadelphia Wings indoor lacrosse team.

The 20-member Board of Governors has overall responsibility for administering the State System. The Board establishes broad fiscal, personnel and educational policies under which the universities operate.

The State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 350,000 System alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.

The state-owned universities are Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester Universities of Pennsylvania. The System also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Kittanning, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and the University Center for Southwest Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh. The regional centers are part of the Educational Resources Group, which is responsible for coordinating statewide programming.