Innovative executive guides Alvernia into future
A career of advancing leadership in private industry and higher education, John R. Loyack commences his tenure as the seventh president of 最新91制片厂.
鈥淚t is with great excitement and anticipation that I begin my journey,鈥 said Loyack. 鈥淚 look forward to continuing the success and growth of Alvernia and ensuring that this institution is well positioned to deliver its transformational mission to students for generations to come.鈥
His presidency begins with a meeting with the senior leadership team as well as a reception with faculty, staff and students before heading to Boston for the six-day Harvard Seminar for New Presidents.
鈥淚 relish the opportunity to work collaboratively and vet strategic initiatives with fellow new presidents,鈥 said Loyack.
Since the announcement of his hiring in December, Loyack began transitioning to Alvernia by making several visits to campus, typically for a week at a time.
鈥淢y desire is to cultivate the impact Alvernia has on its students and alumni, faculty and staff, this community, this region and beyond,鈥 said Loyack. 鈥淭he transition over the past six months has allowed me to get a deeper understanding of the people, the culture and the community and has been a wonderful experience that has afforded me a terrific perspective.鈥
Loyack was previously the executive vice president for business and administration at King鈥檚 College in Wilkes-Barre and a board member of AMCON Distributing Company in Omaha, Nebraska. At King鈥檚 College, Loyack was known for his skills in team building, financial management, community engagement and an intense focus on student success. His efforts have led to program expansion and revenue growth at King鈥檚.
鈥淗e impressed us as being an inspired communicator with a data-driven, strategic approach,鈥 said Alvernia trustee and presidential search committee co-chair Steve Najarian. 鈥淗e has the ability to see around the corner and see outside the box in this complex and rapidly changing world of higher education.鈥
Loyack follows Thomas F. Flynn, who was recently named president emeritus after 14 years of service to Alvernia.
鈥淲e more than got lucky having Tom for all this time," said Alvernia trustee and presidential search committee co-chair Ellen Huyett. 鈥淏ut change is good. New people bring new ideas and different energy.鈥
Before his tenure at King鈥檚, Loyack served as president and chief executive officer of Optim Energy/EnergyCo in Irving, Texas. In addition to earning an MBA from Lehigh University and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting from King鈥檚 College, the Pennsylvania native is a certified public accountant with a long history of building relationships in the community. He currently serves on the boards of directors for Northeast Pennsylvania Education Consortium, Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority, The Luzerne Foundation, The Educational Opportunity Centers of Pennsylvania and Riverfront Parks Committee of Wilkes-Barre.
