GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College, a leading independent college in western Pennsylvania, announces that John Barr ’70 has returned to its Board of Trustees.
Barr’s second tenure on the board began with the Board of Trustees’ meeting in early November. He previously served on the College’s Board from 2013-2020.
“We’re thrilled to welcome John back to our board, and we look forward to his contributions,” Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “With his experience in business and marketing, he brings a unique and valuable perspective to the board.”
Now retired, Barr was a partner of Blue Lake Associates, LTD, a business research and marketing consulting firm with locations in Rochester, N.Y. and Charlotte, N.C. He served for 16 years as Chief Marketing Officer for Rochester, N.Y.-based Hillside Family of Agencies New York after a 28-year sales and marketing career with Eastman Kodak Company.
Barr earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Thiel College. He has served as fundraising chair for the United States Olympic Committee Northeast Region. Barr was named 2013 Executive of the Year by the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
Barr and his wife, Fran, have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Barr is one of four professionals recently elected to Thiel’s board. Joining Barr are Paul Runge ’70, Joseph Scarpitti ’80 and Joel Yuhas. The Board of Trustees comprises 33 men and women who bring diverse life, higher education and professional experience to their roles. The Trustees are responsible for the oversight of Thiel College. The Board adopts rules, regulations and policies governing Thiel College and has authority over curricular development, use of property, development of facilities and fiscal and human resources management. The Board of Trustees meets formally three times a year on campus.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.