For nearly eight years, Eric Barron has led the university through a period of growth and tumult, setbacks and success. We spoke with the outgoing president as he and his wife, Molly, prepare for retirement, and found him still focused on the challenges that remain.

He once envisioned winning Olympic gold and “moving on” from the sport. Now, after realizing his lifelong dream in Tokyo, the Penn State wrestling legend says he’s just getting started.

Dedicated to “restoring and empowering incarcerated individuals through education and meaningful engagement in civic life,” Penn State’s Restorative Justice Initiative is working to change the conversation around who deserves access to a college education.

Led by gold medalist David Taylor, more than two dozen Penn State alumni, students, and coaches combined for a historic showing at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.