UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Robert E. Bohrer II, president of Hiram College, has been named chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill, effective July 1.
As president, Bohrer led a comprehensive strategic planning process focused on long-term sustainability at the private liberal arts college in Hiram, Ohio. During his tenure, the institution recorded three consecutive years of incoming class growth and launched a $50 million fundraising campaign to expand access and affordability.
“Rob understands how to align academic priorities with a focus on institutional sustainability and regional engagement,” said Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor at Penn State. “He brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach and a clear understanding of the role institutions play in their communities. I am confident he will build on Penn State Schuylkill’s foundation, continuing to strengthen its presence and partnerships.”
Prior to his presidency, Bohrer served as Hiram’s vice president for academic and student affairs and dean of the college, where he implemented student-centered initiatives, including development of a CARE team to identify and support students experiencing academic or personal challenges and the creation of a centralized academic support hub. Earlier in his career, he spent more than two decades at Gettysburg College in faculty and academic leadership roles.
A first-generation college student, Bohrer has focused throughout his career on expanding access to higher education and advancing initiatives that support student achievement. He holds a doctoral degree in political science from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“I am honored to join the Penn State Schuylkill community,” Bohrer said. “The campus has a clear commitment to student success and I look forward to working closely with faculty, staff, students and community partners to build on that foundation and advance the campus’s mission in the region.”
Bohrer will assume the role of Penn State Schuylkill chancellor from Cory Scherer, who has served in an interim capacity since July 2024 and will continue as the campus' chief academic officer. As chancellor, Bohrer will lead a Commonwealth Campus that enrolls more than 650 students, offers 10 baccalaureate and four associate degree programs that can be completed at Schuylkill, and includes a co-op program that integrates academic coursework with paid work experiences.
“I want to sincerely thank Cory for his steady leadership and service to the Schuylkill community during his time as interim chancellor,” Engel said. “He has provided thoughtful guidance and strong support for students, faculty and staff during an important period for the campus, and we look forward to his continued leadership as the campus' chief academic officer.”