February 11th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

Frostburg State University President Jonathan Gibralter has been named the 19th president of Wells College, a private, liberal arts college in Aurora, N.Y. He will leave FSU effective June 30. Gibralter was named FSU’s 14th president in March of 2006 and took the helm in August of that same year. In a message to the campus community, Gibralter said, “From the first time I set foot on the campus in March of 2006, I knew what a special place this was and have been very proud and honored to be your president. We have accomplished a lot these past years and have truly transformed FSU together into a competitive regional comprehensive university. “Working collaboratively with a world-class Executive Committee and very closely with our Faculty Senate and staff along with our students, we have increased enrollment, improved retention and graduation rates, and created new academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including our first-ever applied doctoral program,” he continued in his letter.

“On behalf of the University System of Maryland, congratulations to Jonathan Gibralter on his appointment as president of Wells College,” said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. “Jonathan has led Frostburg State University to new heights, achieving improved retention and graduation rates, greater success in private fundraising and effective collaboration with the community colleges in Western Maryland. Also under his leadership, the University has forged strong and productive partnerships with the city of Frostburg and Allegany County.

“Furthermore, with vision and determination, Jonathan successfully positioned Frostburg State as a national leader in policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability and combat alcohol abuse on campus. 

“While Jonathan's departure is a loss for FSU and the surrounding community, USM and the state, we wish him much success as he takes the helm of Wells College.”

Kirwan will name an interim president who will serve through the search process for a new president. Those details will be announced in the near future.

Under Gibralter’s leadership, FSU has improved enrollment; renewed its focus on marketing, branding and raising the institution’s profile; established a cooperative relationship with the City of Frostburg; and increased its focus on fundraising, exceeding the goal of its last comprehensive campaign. The University has also developed a comprehensive strategic plan to guide its growth and focus its efforts.