Jim Troha can now add university president to his resume.
Heidelberg University announced Tuesday that Troha, vice president for institutional advancement and university relations, accepted the presidency at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa.
Troha will begin his new career in or around June 2013, becoming the college's 12th president, replacing Thomas Kepple Jr., who plans to retire after 15 years.
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Troha
In a release provided by Heidelberg, Juniata Trustee Charles Wise said Troha quickly rose to the top of a strong applicant pool of 70. Troha's record in senior leadership elevated him to the top of the field, said Wise, who co-chaired the presidential search committee.
"What we saw in Jim is his natural ability to lead a complex organization. That was key for us."
Troha came to Heidelberg in 2001 as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
He served as vice president for enrollment from 2003-07, increasing enrollment 19 percent his first year and recruiting three of the largest freshman classes in three decades.
During the 2008-09 academic year, Troha was appointed interim president.
With the arrival of Robert Huntington as Heidelberg's new president in 2009, Troha transitioned to his current role, where he has led a successful fundraising effort at Heidelberg. In less than four years, he has helped raise more than $38 million in cash and deferred gifts as part of the $50 million Academic Comprehensive Campaign for Excellence, according to his resume. Additionally, he helped secure the largest cash gift in Heidelberg's history and overseen record achievements in annual giving, including the first ever one million dollar campaign.
According to the release, Huntington said news of Troha's new position is bittersweet for the Heidelberg community.
"Certainly we wish Jim nothing but the best in his new role. Juniata is in very capable hands," he said.
Troha said he looks forward to new opportunities to lead Juniata.
"Juniata has great momentum in its favor, and I'm looking forward to working with the board of trustees, faculty, students, staff and the larger Juniata community to foster the college's continued success," he said. "My family and I are humbled to be asked to be part of the next evolution of Juniata."
He will, however, miss the professional relationships and friendships he developed at Heidelberg and the Tiffin community, he said.
"We have very much enjoyed our time at Heidelberg and in Tiffin. We raised our three children here, so this community will always hold a special place in our hearts," he said. "This opportunity is a natural step in my career in higher education."
Troha, a native of Cleveland, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's in counseling from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, according to his resume. In 2005, he earned his doctorate in educational policy and leadership form the University of Kansas.
"My family is excited to be closer to grandparents and cousins," Troha said.
"The timing is good, both personally and professionally," he said.
Although the transition will be tough, Troha said, it makes sense to move forward with the progression of our careers.
Troha has also been a part of numerous community events, serving on the board of directors for the Tiffin YMCA since 2002 and chair from 2009-11. He is member and chair-elect of Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Services and a founding member of Tiffin's Education Community Task Force.
