Philip Cavalier named next President of Kutztown University

The appointment will take effect on July 6

By Bethany McDonald

On Thursday, April 24, the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education unanimously selected Dr. Philip Cavalier to be the next president of Kutztown University. The appointment will take effect on Sunday, July 6.  

Cavalier will succeed Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, who has served as president since 2015. Hawkinson announced last year that he plans to retire this summer.

Cavalier is currently provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM). At UTM, Cavalier led the creation of the university’s 2025-30 strategic plan and two strategic enrollment plans. He also developed or enhanced eight academic programs aligned with student interests and local workforce needs. In 2023, Cavalier served as interim chancellor for five months. 

“Dr. Cavalier brings an exceptional breadth of experience as both an educator and a university leader,” Board Chair Cynthia Shapira said.

Before joining UTM, Cavalier served as provost at Lyon College, provost and dean of the college at Eureka College and dean of general education at Catawba College. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine and a tenured English faculty member at Catawba College.

“On behalf of the Kutztown University Council of Trustees, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Philip Cavalier as the 13th president of this great institution,” Chairperson Dennis Giorno said. “Dr. Cavalier was selected after a six-month comprehensive nationwide search. He brings a wealth of experience to our campus, including 27 years in higher education as a professor, dean and provost. This most recently includes seven years at UT Martin, where he served as provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and managed the institution as interim chancellor. We are confident he will further KU’s mission and 159-year tradition of providing affordable high-quality undergraduate, graduate and lifelong learning opportunities to the students of our region and beyond.”

“I am thrilled to be selected to serve as the next president of Kutztown University and join a remarkable community of engaged scholars and professionals committed to transforming students’ lives,” Cavalier said. “During his ten years of exemplary leadership, President Hawkinson has built a strong foundation for Kutztown.  I look forward to collaborating with all the campus and external stakeholders to enhance Kutztown’s reputation as a premier regional university in the northeast.”