President Emeritus
Salem College
Chancellor Emeritus
University Of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Founder, Honorary Senior Scholar And Associate
Emeritus in Memoriam
Dr. Edward Penson, the founder of Penson Associates Inc., is a nationally known higher education consultant who has served as mentor to numerous university presidents, chancellors and boards. He enjoyed an extensive, successful career in higher education, including his post as president of Salem College in Massachusetts and as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Prior to these top positions, Dr. Penson was a respected faculty member at Ohio University—later appointed Dean of the university’s Branch Campuses and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Services.
A longtime supporter of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), Dr. Penson was the founding coordinator and lead faculty member of the organization’s Presidents’ Academy for 10 years. Later, he founded and led AASCU’s Presidents’ Academy for Experienced Presidents.
Dr. Penson has authored many protocols and papers that aid the work of presidents, boards and state system executives, including “Board and President: Facilitating the Relationship,” published by AASCU; “Presidential Review in Colleges and Universities”; and “Driving Forces Strategic Visioning.” Though Dr. Penson no longer formally works for the firm, he continues to serve as an advisor and professional resource to AASCU-Penson Associates.
Specialties
Confidential assistive conferring: listening, exploring alternative solutions, suggesting ideas, and offering counsel to university leaders
Honors
- Outstanding Faculty Member, Ohio University
- Vice President and President, Faculty Senate of Ohio University
Education
- PhD., University of Florida
- M.S., Ohio University
- B.A., University of Florida