The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education has tapped recently retired West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino to be its interim chancellor, writes Jordyn Hronec for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The system’s board is currently conducting a national search for its next permanent leader.

Fiorentino was at the helm of West Chester University for six years. His tenure at his new position will start on October 11, when the tenure of the current PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein ends. Fiorentino noted that he has no intention of applying for the permanent position.

“My focus will be to continue moving the State System forward with the priorities established by the Board and Dr. Greenstein,” he said. “PASSHE remains committed to accountability and transparency as we further align the system with Pennsylvania’s needs.”

Fiorentino spent over four decades at West Chester University. He started in 1983 – the same year that PASSHE was established – as an assistant professor of economics.

The news of his appointment was accompanied by PASSHE’s request for a $40.3 million increase, or 6.5 percent, of its state appropriation. If approved, this increase would bring the total for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to $661.1 million.

Read more about recently retired West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino being named interim chancellor of PASSHE in the Philadelphia Business Journal.