Onward State has learned exclusively from two sources directly involved with the situation that Florida State President Eric J. Barron will become Penn State’s next president. The decision will become official Monday at a previously announced press conference.

Barron has served as Florida State’s President since 2010, where he graduated in 1973 with a geology degree. He was dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and professor of geosciences at Penn State from 1986 to 2002. A renowned climatologist, Barron previously served as the director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. He received both of his postgraduate degrees at the University of Miami.



The Lafayette, Indiana native and his wife, Molly, have two grown children and one grandchild.

Penn State trustees are expected to approve the hire Monday morning before a public announcement at noon. Barron will replace current Penn State President Rodney Erickson, who is set to retire by June 1, but may retire early with this announcement.