At a gathering of Eckerd College faculty, staff and students on campus on Monday, November 18, John G. Finneran Jr., board chair, announced the prestigious appointment. “Dr. Fernandez has an accomplished history of higher education leadership characterized by academic collaboration, student-centered initiatives, financial acumen and servant leadership,” Finneran said. “Dr. Fernandez’s career reflects genuine interest in values-based education and innovative high-impact learning within the context of a liberal arts and sciences educational experience.”

Fernandez, 62, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in Puerto Rico, joins the Eckerd community with more than 30 years of higher education experience in the classroom and administration. As chancellor of The Pennsylvania State University–Abington College since 2016, Fernandez was instrumental in crafting the school’s strategic plan, expanding the faculty, launching three new degree programs and opening the school’s first residence hall.

“Damian has been a dynamic leader. In the past four years, Penn State Abington has undergone significant growth and transformation. New opportunities for student success have been at the center of his administration,” said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor at Penn State. “Under his leadership, the College has most certainly secured its standing as an anchor academic institution and a valued asset within the Abington community and the broader region. Damian will, I am sure, be an outstanding president for the Eckerd College community, as he has been for our Penn State community as chancellor.”