LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University President Keith T. Miller has announced that Jerry Updegraff, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the LHU Foundation, will retire on February 26, 2010. In the same announcement, Miller named Keith O. Barrows as the Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the LHU Foundation.

In his announcement, Miller stated, “Jerry Updegraff has served the University admirably for nearly 20 years. He led the Advancement Office and LHU Foundation to many successes through the years, including significantly increasing the amount of student scholarship funding and surpassing the $10 million goal of the University’s second capital campaign. Jerry’s contributions to the Lock Haven community are widespread. He has represented the University in leadership capacities with Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the Clinton County Economic Partnership. The entire university community has benefitted from Jerry’s commitment and dedication to our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.”

Looking back on his years of service to the university, Updegraff stated, “Working at Lock Haven University has been a great professional experience in that it has allowed me to work with some very dedicated colleagues and wonderful volunteers.” He added, “LHU has very loyal alumni and donors, a dedicated faculty and staff, and very committed volunteer board members. I believe our work here through the LHU Foundation has brought value added to the University and greater Lock Haven community.” Updegraff also thanked the presidents under whom he has served at LHU. He said, “I am grateful to the current university president, Dr. Keith T. Miller, and past university president, Dr. Craig D. Willis, who each provided me with opportunities to grow professionally and assist in the growth and development of Lock Haven University.”

LHU and the community will play a role in Updegraff’s retirement plans. He said, “I plan to spend more time with family and I will continue to be involved as a volunteer in the life of our community and the university.”

Miller spoke for the entire Lock Haven University community in wishing Jerry Updegraff “the best of health, happiness, and relaxation throughout his retirement.”

Barrows will assume his new responsibilities as the Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the LHU Foundation on March 1, 2010. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the university and foundation in this assignment,” he said. He added, “ I believe the university has many opportunities and challenges before it today and I am looking forward to being a part of the university’s leadership team as we work together to advance the mission of Lock Haven University.”

Barrows also praised Jerry Updegraff’s contributions to LHU, stating, “Mr. Updegraff has served the university and foundation with distinction for many years. I will endeavor to apply the same high standards he set to my work on behalf of the university and foundation.”

Barrows has been at Lock Haven University since 2005. As Director of Development, he has been responsible for all aspects of the fundraising program. Under his leadership, annual gifts received through the university’s fundraising programs have twice exceeded the previous highest one-year giving levels.

Prior to coming to LHU, Barrows served as Director for Major and Planned Gifts at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. Other experience includes being principal and managing member of the law firm Candor Youngman Barrows, LLC in Williamsport and active-duty officer and attorney for the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He also served as admissions counselor for Lycoming College.

Barrows earned his B.A. from Lycoming College with majors in political science and music. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pa. Barrows also holds the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). The CFRE designation is the only credential for advancement and fundraising professionals that is widely accepted internationally. In addition, Barrows is currently enrolled in an Ed.D. program in educational leadership at Liberty University.

A graduate of Leadership Lycoming, Barrows is actively involved in community and professional activities. He has served as a volunteer and board member for the Boy Scouts of America and American Rescue Workers. He also served as member, president, and board member of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and as a member of the North Central Estate Planners Council. Barrows is chair of the Salladasburg United Methodist Church administrative council, member of Rotary International, member of the Fulbright Association, member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and director of the International Council for Innovation in Higher Education (ICIE).

His personal interests include fishing, hunting, running, bicycling, golf, and performing and fine arts. He has traveled widely, including travel to China, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.