February 9, 2024
The Shawnee State University Board of Trustees voted during their February 9 meeting to enter an agreement with Dr. Eric Andrew Braun to become Shawnee State University’s 8th President.
“The Board is impressed with the leadership Dr. Braun has provided over the past seven months as Interim President,” Scott Evans, Chair of the Shawnee State University Board of Trustees, said. “The institution is stronger financially, and in recent meetings with faculty, administration, students, staff, and community leaders, the Board heard stories of optimism, increased morale, and renewed energy.”
Dr. Braun was appointed Interim President at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio in July 2023 to lead the institution during a time of significant transformation for higher education.
Braun joined Shawnee State’s senior leadership staff in 2009 as Executive Director for Development and President of the SSU Development Foundation.
As Vice President for Advancement & Enrollment Management from 2015 to 2023, he strengthened the functions of recruitment and admissions, development, alumni relations, marketing and communications, athletics, financial aid, workforce development, and community partnerships. He was instrumental in creating a vision for SSU’s Kricker Innovation Hub, a facility that promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity in the region, and securing the needed support to make it a reality.
A native of Portsmouth, OH, Dr. Braun is a graduate of Wake Forest University in North Carolina where he earned his undergraduate and law degrees and remains admitted to practice in state and federal court, specializing in the areas of corporate law, particularly mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate development. He earned his doctorate in organizational leadership from Vanderbilt University. Braun is also a member of the New York State Bar and the United States Supreme Court Bar.
Braun is a seventh generation Scioto Countian and lives in Portsmouth with his wife, Rebekah, and has three children; Andrew, Ellie, and William.
“As trustees, we are delighted to have a qualified presidential candidate from this community who has demonstrated success leading the institution in new and innovative ways,” Evans said. “Building teams with local talent and investing in regional relationships are making a positive difference. We are confident in Dr. Braun’s entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to working together positively with the community as well as Shawnee State faculty, administrators, staff, and students.”