IUP President Michael Driscoll has selected Chris Kitas to serve as the executive director of the Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment following the announcement of the retirement of current executive director Barbara (Barbe) Moore.
Lori Harkleroad, who has worked as a research analyst in the Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment since 2012, will take over the position of associate director formerly held by Kitas.
The transitions will be effective April 24, following Moore's April 23 retirement.
“I am confident that the transition in leadership will be seamless, and that Chris and Lori will continue the tradition of excellence that Barbe has set for the office,” Driscoll said. “I am pleased to welcome Chris to my cabinet.”
Kitas has served as the associate director of the office since 2007. Prior to his work at IUP, he was the director of Research and Evaluation with Summit County Children Services in Ohio. He also previously worked as a research analyst at Summit County Children Services. Kitas earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in political science and a master of science degree in public administration from the University of Akron.
Harkleroad has worked at IUP for almost 22 years. She began her tenure at the Pechan Health Center in 1999 as the medical records coordinator. In 2002, she moved to the School of Graduate Studies and Research office as the director of Graduate Records, a position she held for 10 years before joining the Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment.
Prior to her work at IUP, she was the director of medical records at Punxsutawney Area Hospital. She has a degree in health information management from the University of Pittsburgh.
The Office of Institutional Research, Planning, and Assessment provides official university data and statistics to internal and external constituencies.
The office also provides support and analysis for the Comprehensive Planning Process.