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FAU Treasure Coast Campus VP Named

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (July 1, 2004) -- Florida Atlantic University President Frank T. Brogan today named Gerri McPherson the new vice president of the university's Treasure Coast Campus. The vice president is responsible for all operations on the campus, including increasing access to higher education on the Treasure Coast. She succeeds Dr. Jerry Lafferty, who retired after heading the campus for four years.

McPherson, who will begin her work at FAU in the next several weeks, comes to the university after serving as area assistant superintendent for St. Lucie County Schools. She began her career in education more than 30 years ago and has been a teacher, assistant principal and principal. A native of the Treasure Coast, McPherson has been principal of three schools in the Port St. Lucie area over the course of the past 15 years.

"Gerri possesses the credentials, the experience, and, as an FAU alumna, the passion to successfully hold this key position," said Brogan. "This is a great day for Florida Atlantic University."

A leader in the education world, McPherson has received numerous honors, including the State of Florida Region III Outstanding Elementary School Principal Award in 1995 and the Outstanding High School Principal Recognition Award in 2003.

McPherson served as a charter member of the FAU Board of Trustees for three years. She chaired the planning and development committee of the FAU Board of Trustees, and was a member of the academic and student affairs committee.
"I have been privileged to be involved in Florida's seamless K-20 education system in my career," said McPherson. "Education, in every aspect, is my life, and I am very excited to be coming home to FAU."

McPherson was selected as vice president after a two-month national search, which attracted more than 50 applicants. This month, three finalists were interviewed by President Brogan and the 10-member search committee. The other two finalists were Phyllis Bebko, assistant vice president for FAU's Broward campuses and Thomas L. Krepel, president of Chadron State College.

McPherson earned a specialist's degree in administration and supervision degree from FAU's College of Education in 1989.

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