Keystone College mourns the passing of former president
Keystone College mourns the passing of former president Dr. Edward G. Boehm, Jr. Dr. Boehm passed away on June 23, 2019 in Richmond, Virginia. The entire College community extends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to President Boehm’s wife and former Keystone First Lady Regina Boehm, sons Evan and Andrew, and the entire Boehm family.
As Keystone’s ninth president, Dr. Boehm retired in 2013 after leading Keystone for 18 years, the longest presidential tenure in the College’s history. President Boehm also served as President Emeritus for the 2013-14 academic year. During his time as president, Keystone grew from a junior college into one of the most respected baccalaureate institutions in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
President Boehm began his Keystone tenure in 1995, a time when the enrollment had dwindled to less than 400 students, and the school was in need of an infusion of energy and enthusiasm. Under his dynamic leadership, Keystone became a baccalaureate college in 1998 and granted its first bachelor’s degree to one student in 2000. Since then, Keystone has progressed steadily, adding additional bachelor degrees as well as master’s degrees.
In addition to his academic leadership, President Boehm was known for his optimistic attitude and genuine friendship, particularly his personal interest in all Keystone students. He was often quoted as saying, “We know our students not only by their names but by their dreams.”
President Boehm and Regina quickly became become well-known and respected leaders in the community, taking active roles in many civic and community organizations. They jointly received the B’nai B’rith Amos Lodge No.136 Americanism Award and served as co-chairs for the United Way of Lackawanna County Campaign Fund Drive. President Boehm served on the United Way of Lackawanna County Board of Directors, President of Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), as a board member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Advisory Board, and Tyler Memorial Hospital, among many others.
Prior to his position at Keystone, President Boehm was a senior vice president for institutional advancement at Marshall University in West Virginia. He also held senior administrative positions at American University and Texas Christian University. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University in Maryland and a master’s degree and doctorate from American University.
Details of the funeral arrangements will be shared as they become available.