With former President Melinda Treadwell’s departure on October 24, Plymouth State University (PSU) President Donald Birx stepped up to take the role of interim president for Keene State.
Birx, who has been president of PSU since 2015, also has previous experience at the University of Houston and New Mexico State University.
Birx expressed his admiration for Treadwell and her work at KSC.
“[Treadwell] and I have been friends for eight years,” Birx said. “I think Treadwell has been a real asset to our community.”
“I think one of my closest colleagues has been Birx,” Treadwell added.
Birx also reflected on the different identities PSU and Keene State have.
“Keene and Plymouth’s missions are different,” Birx said. “And I think that’s a positive thing. We have to address the local needs of our environment.”
Birx detailed how he wants to set up a similar system at PSU, like the one that will be implemented at Keene State, which will involve Interim Provost Kirsti Sandy and Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Nathalie Houder covering day-to-day operations and having a larger impact on campus.
Birx also reflected on his past experience with the other universities he has worked at and how that experience will help him take over the reins at KSC.
“This is the fourth university I’ve been a part of,” Birx said. “I’ve seen a lot of different ways of doing things. We’ve had a lot of experience in multiple areas. It’s not as big a transition as someone coming in from the outside.”
“I think what it brings is a perspective that can help both Keene and Plymouth,” Birx went on. “Melinda here and I up there have really been working together to find ‘what’s our place in this world?’”
Birx conveyed a desire to share resources across the University System of New Hampshire (USNH).
“How do we look at ourselves and share support amongst the various universities in the system?” Birx asked. “We have backup and a reality that we can rely on each other across the system. We still have local control to address the needs of the students. But we can rely on each of our campuses.”
Treadwell reflected on the state budget cuts and how the system can support each other now. “System cuts require system solutions,” Treadwell said.
Treadwell also contemplated the changes being made in the USNH and how they are experiencing a similar situation to Keene State.
“We need to constantly think and be willing to press against our own bias,” Treadwell said. “The students at Keene and PSU are looking for something different in the system. I think it is important. There’s a lot of systems going through the same thing right now.”
Treadwell detailed the differences between PSU and KSC, and how Keene State is more focused on optics, such as nanotech, optical arrays and satellites, while PSU is more focused on robotics.
“We’re looking at how Keene and PSU pair up,” Birx said. “We need to look at how we can work together and thrive.”
Birx also reflected on how the state providing for universities and colleges is inherently rewarding and helps the general population.
“When you add it all up it becomes a return on investment,” Birx said. “Sometimes people look at it as an expense. But the amount all of the out-of-state students bring… it pays back the state several times over. I’m a big believer in the trades. And we don’t have a trades program.”
“How do we do it so people can make a living in New Hampshire?” Birx asked. “We’re always trying to grow and evolve.”
Birx was on-campus on October 22 to see campus facilities and meet staff members. He was also present for the Board of Trustees meeting on October 24.
Chloe Erno can be contacted at
