The interim title has been taken off for Kenneth Long at East Stroudsburg University.

Long was named president of the university by the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on Wednesday in a unanimous vote.

Long is ESU’s 14th president.

“As interim president, President Long has demonstrated that he is the right person to lead the university forward,” said Cindy Shapira, board chair. “He helped to guide ESU through the uncertainty of the pandemic and is committed to working with students, faculty and staff toward an exciting future that continues to open doors of opportunity for students of all ages and strengthens the workforce of Pennsylvania.”

Long served as interim president since July 2020, upon the retirement of Marcia G. Welsh, to lead the institution during the difficult times of the pandemic and appointment of a new president.

He had previously served as the university’s vice president of administration and finance and chief financial officer since 2013, after serving five years as assistant vice president of administration and finance at Kutztown University.

In 2012, he also worked as interim vice president for finance and administration at Cheyney University in a loaned executive capacity.

Long, who serves on various boards within the community and region, also serves on the executive board, as treasurer, for the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers.

Long is the first African American president of East Stroudsburg University and brings more than 35 years of leadership and management experience in higher education, including executive-level experience at public, research, medical and regional institutions. He will assume his new role immediately.

“It is a tremendous honor to be chosen to lead East Stroudsburg University as president,” Long said. “Having been part of the Warrior Community for the past nine years, I am humbled by the opportunity to build on the university’s 129-year history of providing affordable post-secondary education in the region.

“I look forward to continue working with faculty, students, staff, administrators, alumni and the local community in advancing the mission of ESU, and for the university to continue contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region and commonwealth.”