Dr. Frank G. Pogue

As of July 15, 2008, Dr. Frank G. Pogue became the Interim President of Chicago State University. His years of distinguished service in higher education make this position a fortunate selection. Following 11 years at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as its 15th president, Dr. Pogue retired and briefly enjoyed family life in Delaware before accepting his current position.

Appointed Edinboro president July 1, 1996, Dr. Pogue became the first African-American to lead a traditionally white college or university in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His years at Edinboro were marked by unprecedented growth and advancement in academic programs, graduate enrollment, campus facilities, and fund raising. Academic programs expanded by three dozen, facilitated by a nationally-recognized strategic planning process. At the same time, online programs contributed to significant growth in graduate enrollment. Under Dr. Pogue’s leadership, new accreditation was achieved in the areas of education, business, and social work; and accreditation efforts are underway in art, theatre and journalism. The University was also re-accredited with commendation for 10 years by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 2003.

Under Dr. Pogue’s direction, Edinboro’s main campus experienced a physical transformation unparalleled in the University’s history. New buildings and campus signs were added while renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and information technology system enhancements were installed. These advancements ensured that Edinboro students and faculty would have access to facilities, equipment and support systems necessary for academic excellence. Edinboro University in Meadville opened in 2005, signifying the University’s permanent presence in Crawford County. Among all campuses of Edinboro University (the main campus in Edinboro, the Porreco Center in Erie and the Meadville location), access was enhanced by technological connectivity. During its Sesquicentennial year, the University successfully completed its $15 million capital campaign – the Campaign for Excellence.

Dr. Pogue created the Edinboro Family concept, a learner-centered environment where students come first in caring and supportive campus community functioning under the core value of civility. The core value of civility was a hallmark of the Pogue administration. During his tenure, the Frank and Dorothy Pogue Honors Scholarship Fund raised more than $900,000.

Dr. Pogue participates in national, regional and statewide leadership groups. He has served on the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Commission on Women in Higher Education and as chair of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative. Regionally, he serves on the advisory council of affiliated institutions for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), with which he has been affiliated for more than 30 years. His statewide involvement included the Board of Directors on Pennsylvania Campus Compact, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Commission for the Universities, and the Executive Board of a Community of Agile Partners in Education (CAPE). He also served on higher education advisory panels for Pennsylvania governors Tom Ridge and Edward G. Rendell.

Locally in Pennsylvania, Dr. Pogue served on the Boards of Directors for the Meadville Area Industrial Commission, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, and the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, he served on the corporate boards for Hamot Health Foundation, Saint Vincent Health Center, and Meadville Medical Center. His leadership benefited many regional fundraising initiatives, including the Erie County State Employees Combined Appeal campaign, Erie Day School’s Adopt-A-Scholar scholarship drive, the Annual Campaign of the Greater Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross and he chaired the 2007 United Arts Fund Drive.

In 2007, Dr. Pogue was honored by Governor and Mrs. Ed Rendell for dedication and service to the Commonwealth. The Board of Governors for PASSHE honored him with a Resolution citing his contributions. Additionally, PASSHE presented him with the Cornerstone of Excellence Award, and Leadership Erie awarded him with the Patrick Locco Memorial Leadership Award. Edinboro University’s Council of Trustees honored Dr. Pogue during the 2007 Spring Commencement by conferring upon him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in Public Service as well as President Emeritus status. The Board also named the Frank G. Pogue Student Center in his honor.
Educated as a sociologist, Dr. Pogue holds a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University, a master’s degree from Atlanta University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to assuming the Edinboro presidency, for ten years he was a vice chancellor for student affairs and special programs at the State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration in Albany. While vice chancellor, he served for a year as interim president at the SUNY College at Cobleskill. The SUNY at Albany Council of Trustees in 1999 presented him the Distinguished Service Award for Leadership and Vision.

Dr. Pogue continues to use his own paradigm for 21st century leadership to teach future college presidents. He consults for two national university presidential search firms. His 45 years as an educator and administrator continue to be marked by providing the ideals of civility: fairness, tolerance, collegiality and civic responsibility.

Dr. Pogue and his wife, Dorothy, reside in New Castle, Delaware.