Harrisburg – Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Dr. John C. Cavanaugh today announced that Art Stephens will join the PASSHE executive team as a Special Assistant to the Chancellor.

In his new role, Stephens will conduct an overall analysis of information resources and technology for PASSHE, including the Office of the Chancellor and the 14 member universities. He will serve as PASSHE’s chief information officer, leading efforts to capitalize on information resources designed to support executive decision-making, and ensuring efficient and effective operations of information technology for the Office of the Chancellor.

Stephens has served as a Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Edward G. Rendell since June 2005. He had previously served as Deputy Secretary for Information Technology for the Office of Administration. Prior to joining the Rendell administration in March 2003, he worked as a management consultant for more than 15 years.

“Art has served several important roles in my administration; most notably as state Chief Information Officer, helping to lay the foundation for technology governance that has allowed the Commonwealth to be a technology leader while improving the efficiency of state government operations,” Governor Rendell said. “As Deputy Chief of Staff, Art has been instrumental in working across levels of government to bring solutions to complicated technology, public safety and environmental issues.”

“Art will bring leadership, experience and a fresh perspective on technology matters to PASSHE,” Dr. Cavanaugh said. “I appreciate Art’s collaborative approach toward problem solving, and look forward to his leadership in developing information management solutions that continue to move the System forward.”

Stephens’ appointment is effective October 27.

Now in its 25^th year, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with more than 110,000 students. The 14 PASSHE universities offer degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Approximately 405,000 PASSHE 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. PASSHE also operates branch campuses in Clearfield, Freeport, Oil City and Punxsutawney and several regional centers, including the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg.

For more information about PASSHE, please go to: www.passhe.edu.