FAIRBORN — Cheryl Schrader Ph.D was chocen Wright State University’s next president Monday, March 6. Officials announced the choice during a press conference in the morning.
Cheryl Schrader is currently chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Schrader visited Wright State University campus on Feb. 9 and was the third candidate for the school’s presidential position.
The other candidates included: Chancellor Dennis Shields who withdrew in February and Chancellor Deborah Ford of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
During her visit to WSU Schrader highlighted what attracts her to the college.
“One of the aspects is the diversity in education — and there’s already a great foundation here for us to build and I think we can continue to build on that,” Schrader said. “[Another aspect] is coming from Missouri University of Science and Technology, a STEM-focused campus, the opportunity to be at a more comprehensive institution, to relish in the nationally-recognized programs in performing arts and film and so on, and to see how these different groups can work together to help us reach the goals of the university is very attractive.”
Schrader began serving in 2012 as the chancellor of Missouri University of Science and Technology. She formerly served as associate vice president for strategic research initiatives at Boise State as well as the dean of the College of Engineering at Boise State University and held several positions at The University of Texas at San Antonio, including associate dean for graduate studies and research for the College of Engineering and the College of Sciences.
Schrader earned her bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. Her education continued when she earned her master of science in electrical engineering, in which her thesis highlighted “sub-zeros in linear multi-variable systems” followed by her earning a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D), with her dissertation focused on “feedback effects on poles and zeros: a global approach using generalized systems.”
She praised Wright State’s research capabilities, and highlighted her appreciation for its proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Lab.
“My strength include a great track record in developing public/private partnerships that help us move in the research and technology transfer space — that is something that is very, very important here,” Schrader said. “I also have great experience in working with the military in Missouri, Idaho and Texas to create relationships and opportunities for research and and education and interaction.”
“I know with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory as well that there’s great opportunities here,” she added. “There’s been investment providing services for our veteran students.”
Wright State’s current president, Dr. David Hopkins, announced his retirement May 2, 2016, saying he would step down when his contract expires at the conclusion of June this year. The school went to work finding his replacement in the following months, forming a search committee that includes 21 individuals, in addition to hiring Academic Search, a specialized search firm, to assist in the process.
