Dr. Jonathan C. Gibralter's Biography

Dr. Jonathan C. Gibralter joined Frostburg State University as its 14th president in March 2006, bringing with him a solid record of educational and community leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, a master’s in counseling psychology from New York University and a Ph.D. in human development from Syracuse University. He initially worked in the mental health field before entering higher education as a faculty member and administrator.

Under Dr. Gibralter’s leadership, the FSU administration has improved enrollment, renewed its focus on marketing, branding and raising the institution’s profile and helped launch a comprehensive $15 million campaign, “Staking Our Claim: The Campaign for Frostburg.” The University has also developed a Strategic Plan focusing on the themes of sustainability, engagement, academics and leadership to guide its growth and meet goals set by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Dr. Gibralter has aligned FSU with the issues of climate change and sustainability. He is a charter signatory and member of the Leadership Circle of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). He was also appointed by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to the Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Mitigation Working Group, a sub-group of the Maryland Climate Change Commission. He co-chairs its Education and Outreach sub-group. In September 2009, under Dr. Gibralter’s leadership, FSU submitted a Climate Action Plan to the ACUPCC, which provides strategic steps and actions for the campus community on how to reduce carbon emissions.

Regional economic development has also grown under Dr. Gibralter’s leadership, particularly through his efforts on behalf of the Allegany Business Center at Frostburg State University and his interest in addressing regional workforce development and revitalizing Frostburg’s historic Main Street. Under his administration, the FSU has expanded its presence into downtown Frostburg through the renovated Lyric building, which houses University Advancement, the FSU Center for Creative Writing and a branch of the FSU Bookstore.

As FSU President, Dr. Gibralter has worked tirelessly to address the issue of binge drinking by developing a community-based, multi-faceted approach with his administration and key constituents off campus, including local residents, bar owners and law enforcement agencies. In September 2008, Dr. Gibralter was honored with the national Presidential Leadership Award from a group of seven major higher education organizations for his efforts in promoting a campus climate that de-emphasizes alcohol and for his leadership in fighting binge-drinking at colleges and universities across the country. He has shared collaborative strategies on this critical issue with numerous higher education stakeholders.

In service to higher education, Dr. Gibralter is a Commissioner for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Maryland delegate on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Council of State Representatives. His collaborative approach to higher education has engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends in planning for the future of Frostburg State University.

View Dr. Gibralter's Curriculum Vita (PDF)