PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Leslie Kruhly, associate director of development and special events at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, will become Secretary of the University on September 18, Penn President Judith Rodin has announced.

"Leslie brings a wealth of valuable experience and expertise to this important position," Rodin said. "She is a superb administrator with a broad knowledge of higher education and its challenges. It is with a great deal of pleasure that we have been able to conclude our search by recognizing one of the many talented and dedicated professionals we have within the University."

Kruhly came to the University Museum in 1997, where she has been responsible for all development and fundraising activities, and special events. She oversaw the University Museum's successful $17 million fundraising campaign for construction of the new state-of-the-art Mainwaring Wing, and chaired the strategic oversight committee, which has responsibility for implementing the Museum's five year plan.

"In her role at the University Museum, Leslie Kruhly has demonstrated the exceptional qualities needed in a new secretary," said James Riepe, chairman of Penn's Board of Trustees. "Her keen understanding of higher education and its complexities, along with her skills as an administrator, make her an excellent choice for this position. I look forward to working with her."

In 1982 Kruhly joined the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA), moving through various posts in fundraising and external affairs, to become Executive Vice President for External Affairs. During her tenure there, she helped develop that organization's

successful program to identify and nurture young American artists.

From 1977 to 1982, she held senior positions in communications and public affairs at the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton.

Kruhly was a reporter and restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Bulletin from 1975 to 1977.

She holds a B.A. in history from Vanderbilt University, and an M.S. in broadcasting from Boston University's School of Public Communications.