C.C. reader., November 30, 1978, Image 1

PSU Capitol Campus
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Vol. 8 No. 8
Provost Robert McDermott will resign his post as
Chief Officer of Penn State Capitol Campus. McDermott
has been the first to hold this position.
Describing the way he felt when assigned the position
McDermott said, "I felt like a kid in the dime store."
To give the school the organization that it lacked was
the challange-McDermott faced. The route to go about
this was completely his own choice.
When McDermott came to the campus six years ago he
began to organize the administration. His major accom
plishment was to set up the structure of the academic
programs. Dr. Duane Smith, Associate Dean of Academic
Affairs, said this about McDermott, "He re-organized
the administration to his personal style and the needs
of the campus, and it's working."
McDermott came at a period of time which he referred
to as "phase two". This phase was the beginning of the
organization of the administration and the re-structur
ing of the academic programs. McDermott devised a work
able plan for centralized budgets. He formed an admin
istrative staff and got together program heads in order
to improve the efficiency of the campus.
McDermott is responsible for eliminating many courses
that, although offered in the catalogue, didn't really
exist at Capitol Campus. He made provisions to add the
courses he felt most important to those already offered.
According to Dr. Smith, "McDermott has done the things
that needed to be done for this phase of development.
He has gotten the guidance staff together. It is time
for someone new to take the; responsibility."
McDermott's successor has not been determined at this
point. The choices have been narrowed down to three
qualified persons; Robert Crowe,' Benjamin Perlea and
Theodore Gross. None of these men are affiliated with
Pennsylvania colleges or universities.
"...Feels Like A Kid In A Dime Store"
First Provost Leaves
by Sue Middleton
Provost McDermott's resignation will be effective as
of January 1979. While on sabbatical, McDermott will
take courses on campus. Following his sabbatical, he
will return to teaching in September of 1979. The courses
he will teach are Regional Planning and Social Science.
In the past he has taught many courses in the fields of
Forestry and Botany.
McDermott feels that Capitol Campus has increased
industry and business in the Harrisburg area. As Mc-
Dermott stated, "Since Capitol Campus began, many new
industries have come to the area. About two-thirds of
the students are from other parts of the state and a
great deal of them stay in the area after graduation."
After graduation from Proviso Township High School,
McDermott attended Wright Junior College in Illinios.
From here he went on to receive his Bachelor of Science
Degree in Forestry and Masters Degree in Botany at lowa
State University.
Between the time of his B.S. and M.S. Degrees he
served in the United States Naval Reserve during World
War 11. He was stationed in the South Pacific. He re
ceived his Doctoral Degree at Duke University in 1952.
Throughout his education McDermott received three
honors including Sigma Xi, Xi Sigma Pi, and Gamma Alpha.
He has been cited in many publications such as: Am
erican Men of Science, Dictionary of International Bio
graphy, Leaders in American Science, Men of Achievement
in 1973, The National Social Directory, Who's Who in
America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in American
Education, and Biographical Directory of American Edu
cation.
McDermott has been involved in many civic organiza
tions. He believes in being a good neighbor to the com
munity. As an active citizen he has served in many com
munity organizations. These organizations include: the
Board of Community General Osteopathic Hospital in 1973,
(continued page 4)
November 30, 1978