Institute for Nonprofits Leadership Changes

After leading the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Institute for Nonprofits for five years, Professor Mary Tschirhart is leaving NC State for Ohio State University, where she will return to full-time scholarship and teaching. Richard Clerkin, Associate Professor of Public Administration, will serve as interim director, effective July 1. The college will conduct an international search for a senior scholar who will be appointed in Public Administration and serve as permanent director.

Professor David Zonderman, former chair of the Institute’s Academic Advisory Council, credits Tschirhart for her vision and energy in building support among internal and external partners. “Mary Tschirhart has a real and deep sense of connection to North Carolina’s nonprofit community, which is an important part of our mission as a land grant university,” Zonderman says. “She also has made the Institute a leader in research. We will be fortunate to find another advocate so committed to moving us forward.”

“Mary leaves a great legacy,” says CHASS Dean Jeff Braden. “We are grateful for her visionary leadership and her hard work and wish her well.” During Tschirhart’s tenure, the Institute was accepted for membership in the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, developed new programs and partnerships, and expanded its outreach through CONS, the Community of Nonprofit Scholars. With more than 450 campus- and community-based members, CONS provides a forum for exchanging innovative ideas, nonprofit education and professional networking. Tschirhart is the co-author of Managing Nonprofit Organizations (Jossey-Bass, 2012). She was named an NC State 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Richard Clerkin conducts scholarship in the area of nonprofit studies and has been heavily involved with the Institute’s Community of Nonprofit Scholars. “Rich’s experience and scholarship position him to lead the intellectual direction of the Institute as it continues to develop its leadership on- and off-campus,” says Braden. Clerkin will set strategic priorities for the Institute and coordinate its work with CONS, the advisory board, and external stakeholders.

Eileen Hannan Ferrell, program coordinator for the Institute, will serve as interim operations director. She will manage the Institute’s day-to-day functions.