— - THERIGHT FIT BYVICKIMAYK TOWER FEATURE THERIGHT VICKI MAYK DR. PHILIP CAVALIER JOINS KU AS ITS 13TH PRESIDENT Philip Cavalier, Ph.D., remembers where and when he decided to pursue a career in higher education. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics, he thought he would follow his father, working in finance on Wall Street. But after two years, he felt like it wasn’t the right fit especially when he realized where he was spending his lunch hours. “I found myself going to a branch of the New York Public Library on Murray Street, right around the corner from my office. I went there most lunch hours and just sat and read,” Cavalier says. “At a certain point, I thought, if this is what I enjoy doing … why am I going to keep working on Wall Street? I’d like to pursue a mas ter’s degree in English, get a Ph.D. and teach.” That moment marked the beginning of a career spanning 27 years, eventually leading to his appointment in April by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors as KU’s 13th president. Prior to joining Kutztown, Cavalier was provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin. His earlier career roles included time as a provost, dean, and tenured faculty member. 4 | FALL 2025
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