Letter to the Frostburg State Community January 16, 2025 To the Frostburg State Community: Yesterday, you received a letter from Dr. Nowaczyk, sharing his decision to step down from the presidency of Frostburg State at the end of the month. As Ron focuses his energy on his health and his loved ones, I know you hold him in your thoughts. Without question, I hold him in mine. President Nowaczyk’s character is best reflected in the extraordinary FSU community he’s led for nine years. Every action he’s taken as president has been to strengthen the university, the students it serves, and the community that rises with Frostburg’s eager engagement and leadership. It’s never been lost on Ron that FSU is among Western Maryland’s most important and most powerful anchor institutions. He’s therefore focused on meeting the region’s urgent workforce needs, an effort foundational to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Under President Nowaczyk’s leadership, FSU has expanded its nursing programs, whom they serve, and how they do so. The university has streamlined a pathway to its competitive physician assistant program, critical to the region’s supply of primary caregivers. FSU has launched a series of online certificates for local working adults who have the experience—but not the credentials—to land the jobs they want. The Challenger Learning Center at FSU will nurture young STEM talent with hands-on projects developed by NASA, engaging schoolchildren in the careers that power innovation and create personal and community wealth. As chancellor, it’s especially gratifying to me that President Nowaczyk has prioritized partnerships that bring the best of the University System to Frostburg State and create opportunities for students that wouldn’t exist otherwise: a program in environmental management with UMCES, mechanical engineering with UMD, pharmacy with UMES, law with UBalt. Ron has never let geography limit possibility, and it’s a lesson for us all. There’s no question that Frostburg now faces a challenging budget deficit, and no question that the cuts it demands are painful. I know this has been the most difficult chapter in Ron’s leadership of FSU and, of course, it’s been exceedingly difficult for those affected by cuts. But the plan that President Nowaczyk has put in place—together with the input, guidance, and decision making of the entire university community—is already showing progress in restoring FSU to fiscal health. The resilience of Frostburg State is a credit to everyone who learns and works here. I understand that stepping down from the helm of this great university was a tough decision to make. President Nowaczyk calls this job the “honor and privilege” of his career. I imagine very few people would feel differently. I thank Ron for his visionary and compassionate leadership, for his care of FSU and its neighbors. I thank him for putting the university first, now and always. But most of all, I thank him for his friendship, for his wise counsel, and for the extraordinary example he sets. Truly, I’m grateful. I’ll be back in touch soon with details regarding the leadership transition, including the selection of an interim president. In the meantime, I know you join me in sending strength to Ron and returning to him the love he’s always shown to this university. Sincerely, Jay A. Perman Chancellor
