Penn State's President Eric Barron says he plans to retire next year

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — There was a major announcement at Penn State Friday as university President Eric Barron confirmed he plans to retire next year.

Barron's current contract as Penn State's president expires in 16 months, in the summer of 2022.

At Friday's university board of trustees meeting, there was appreciation and praise for his 8 years in office,

Barron outlined accomplishments and urged the trustees to focus on previously set fundraising and other goals.

As for finding a successor to Barron, don’t term the initial step a search committee yet.

The trustees will first gather input -- a listening phase.

The trustees say a search committee’s work will begin early this summer.

No word on whether a university presidential successor may possibly take office before the end of Barron’s contract.

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