Dr. John M. Lilley, Penn State Behrend provost and dean from 1980-2001, spent 21 years creating a legacy of community partnership, new academic programs and an expanded campus, including the Junker Center. During his tenure, he doubled the number of athletic programs from 11 to 22. In honor of Lilley, the college raised funds to endow the John Mark and Geraldine Mills Lilley Leadership Scholarship. In addition, he has been named a life member of the Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows and was granted the title of provost and dean emeritus. 

Dr. Lilley led in the development of the undergraduate and graduate research presence of Penn State in northwestern Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, Penn State Behrend created four-year programs in business, science, engineering and engineering technology as well as the MBA and M.Eng degrees. In partnership with the business and political leaders of northwestern Pennsylvania and with the Governor’s office, Dr. Lilley and his colleagues in Erie and at University Park have developed a new graduate research presence in science and engineering. He was at the forefront in creating the 200-acre Knowledge Park at Penn State Erie, which contributes significantly to the economic development of northwestern Pennsylvania and the tri-state region.

Nationally, Dr. Lilley served on the board of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. He has also been elected to leadership roles within the University. In addition, the Governor has appointed him to the Pennsylvania Tuition Account Program Advisory Committee in the Office of the Treasurer. 

Dr. Lilley accepted other leadership roles in Erie. He was president of the Erie Rotary Club and chair of the United Way Board. His other board memberships included the Erie Philharmonic, WQLN, the Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System, the Rotary Scholarship Foundation, the McMannis Educational Trust, the Erie Conference, the Community Coalition, the Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Council, Erie Insight, and the Erie Plastics Corporation. Dr. Lilley was a corporator of Hamot Health Systems, Inc. and the St. Vincent Health Center and a Ruling Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. 

Dr. Lilley is married to Geraldine M. Lilley. They have four children: Elizabeth Lilley Gorman, Myles Lilley, and Jason and Benjamin Murphy.