Don Birx will continue to serve as Keene State’s interim president through June 2027, according to an announcement at the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees meeting on March 19.
Birx previously stepped into the role of interim president after former President Melinda Treadwell resigned on Oct. 24, 2025. Birx also currently serves as the president of Plymouth State University.
Birx’s tenure at Keene State was originally supposed to end June 30, 2026, but has been extended by a full year.
Birx addressed the reasoning behind the decision to extend his contract.
“We’re starting some creative ways to think about Keene in the future,” Birx said. “The decision was made to plow on through and keep Keene sustainable. We’ve got some good approaches going forward. I think in June we will be presenting a five-year plan for Keene.”
Birx expressed how he has appreciated his time at Keene State thus far.
“The faculty, staff and students have all been great,” he said. “From my perspective, I welcome it. I want to do whatever I can do to make sure Keene is all that it can be.”
Birx said he believes implementing a three-school system at Keene State “will be great for Keene.”
The three divisions would be applied science and technology, applied health and education and the arts and sciences.
Birx also reinforced his recurring effort to get the budget increased to keep the college sustainable.
“I think, really, the opportunities that exist in the future are revenue opportunities,” Birx said. “I’m trying to get as long a roadway as possible to grow where Keene can grow so that its future can be positive. I think there are a lot of things that demonstrate how unique the Keene State experience is and can be.”
Birx expressed a desire to “capitalize on Keene’s strengths” going forward amid the budget cuts to the education system.
The Board of Trustees’ next meeting is at the end of June. Birx said each USNH school will present a five-year plan at the meeting.
“I think there will be some investment in Keene to implement,” Birx said. “I think the next year will be an exciting one.”
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