PORTSMOUTH, OH – Shawnee State University has appointed Chris Shaffer as Chief of Executive Affairs in the Office of the President.
Shaffer, who has been with Shawnee State University since 2011, has previously served as Advisor to the President for Education and Agency Partnerships and as Director of the University’s grants, institutional research, and public policy functions.
“Chris is a proven cabinet leader who has demonstrated time and again the ability to identify and align opportunities for Shawnee State at the highest levels,” said Shawnee State University President Eric Andrew Braun. “I rely on Chris as a trusted senior advisor and representative to broaden and amplify the priorities of the President’s Office.”
A West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, Shaffer has built a career in public service that spans multiple gubernatorial administrations. Before joining Shawnee State, he served in the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia. He was later appointed to ServeOhio, the state board for service and volunteerism. He also volunteers with Ohio’s U.S. senators and the region’s congressmen on service academy nominations.
"I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role at such an exciting time in the University's history," said Shaffer. "Portsmouth is my hometown, and this University has been a part of my life since I was four years old, when I took a summer enrichment course like so many other kids in our area. The team at SSU works hard to create opportunities for both our students and the broader community. I'm excited to be part of an organization that is so important to the success of our region."
Shaffer's appointment reflects Shawnee State University's continued focus on partnerships that strengthen educational and workforce pathways across southern Ohio.
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