University's President-elect

Dear University community, 

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Dr. J. Michael Adams as the next president of Fairleigh Dickinson University, effective July 1. Dr. Adams comes to FDU from Drexel University in Philadelphia where, since 1984, he has served as the dean of the Nesbitt College of Design Arts.

We are confident he has the ability to build on Frank Mertz's accomplishments and lead the University into the new millennium. His mix of experiences, skills and motivations is an excellent match with FDU's needs. His credentials in budget management, leadership and innovation mesh with the academic mission of Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

Dr. Adams has enjoyed an outstanding record of accomplishment at Drexel and earned a reputation as a creative and responsive leader. He was responsible for turning the school into one of the largest and most selective design schools in the country. He also initiated Drexel's first college-based continuing and professional education program. 

Prior to his tenure at Drexel, Dr. Adams served as the head of the department of industrial technology and professor of education at the State University of New York at Oswego. From 1975 to 1976 he was a U.S. Congressional Fellow, working to develop legislation, serving as liaison to a House Committee on Elementary, Secondary and Vocational Education and coordinating hearings on contemporary issues. 

He holds a BS from Illinois State University, Normal; an MS in education administration from the University of Illinois, Urbana, and a PhD in education administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. 

As many of you are aware, the University conducted an extensive national search for its next president. We were privileged to meet many qualified individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. The choice for president was extremely difficult but after careful deliberation and gathering input from many individuals in the University community, we believe we have found the right person to lead FDU into the next century. I would like to extend the Board of Trustees' sincere appreciation to Dr. Joseph Weber, who chaired the search committee, and all the search committee members for their devotion and professionalism. The University is forever indebted to them. 

I also want to again thank President Frank Mertz, not just for his service since 1990, his achievements and his inspiration, but also for staying through June 30 and ensuring that we had the time to conduct a proper and comprehensive search. We wish him well as he begins his retirement.

I am confident that as we move forward, the members of the University community will continue their outstanding record of support and service for students. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Adams to FDU. 

Thank you. 

Stephen C. Tumminello 
Chairman of the Board of Trustees 
 
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