Brenau University President Anne Skleder, Ph.D., has passed away after a lengthy battle with leukemia, the university announced Friday afternoon.
Skleder was the 10th president of Brenau University and the first female president in its 145-year history.
A release from the university said Skleder kept Brenau students at the forefront of her four-year tenure. She called the university's students "our reason for being."
Skleder established a scholarship for first-generation students soon after taking up her role as president. Under her leadership, Brenau elevated its Department of Psychology to the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling. She also established the Miller Institute for Global Education, which expanded study-abroad opportunities for Brenau Students.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of President Skleder and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time,” Mike Smith, chair of Brenau’s Board of Trustees, said. “Her leadership will be missed, and I personally have lost a dear friend. But I know that she would be the first to tell us to continue the good work of Brenau – as she did often during her courageous battle against leukemia.”
Skleder had selected Dr. David Barnett to continue the business of Brenau during her treatment. Dr. Barnett will continue to serve as interim president.
The Skleder family will hold a funeral mass at Holy Child Church in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. Brenau University will hold a celebration of life to honor President Skelder; details will be announced.
Skleder was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and her master's degree and doctorate in social and organizational psychology from Temple University. She also completed Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management program.
Speaking with AccessWDUN in March 2023, Skleder said she would encourage others to always seize an opportunity.
“When someone suggests that you stretch yourself, stretch yourself. When someone says 'Have you ever tried X experience?' try it. Take that class that is not required. Take a risk. You never regret the things you did but usually the things you did not do,” she said.
Help is available for any faculty, staff or student at Brenau who may be struggling at this time. University Counselor Gay Baldwin may be reached at [email protected] or 770-534-6121 and the Brenau Center for Counseling & Psychological Services provides services in Gainesville and Norcross. Brenau employees may get assistance through the Employee Assistance Program at 800-450-1327.
A community gathering will take place in Thurmond McRae at 4:30 p.m. Friday for any who want to observe a few moments of reflection together. There will also be a candlelight gathering Monday at 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of campus.
