PHILADELPHIA -- Major General Clifford L. Stanley, Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, has been named Executive Vice President at the University of Pennsylvania, according to an announcement today by Penn President Judith Rodin. He will begin his new position in mid-October.

As Executive Vice President at Penn, Stanley will serve as the University's chief operating officer, responsible for finance, investments, human resources, business services, facilities and real estate, public safety, information systems, computing, and internal audit and compliance.

"Cliff is an inspirational leader and team builder committed to helping people exceed their expectations," Rodin said. "His impressive record throughout his distinguished military career makes him the ideal choice to lead the Executive Vice President's division as we move ahead to implement our new strategic plan."

Stanley, 55, has served more than 30 years on active duty in the Marine Corps. Since 2000, he served at Quantico, where he was responsible for training and education, future planning, experimentation and concept development for the U.S. Marine Corps' active duty and reserve personnel. Concurrently he served as the Marine Corps Principal Representative to the Joint Requirements Board in support of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In 2001, he also served as Commanding General at Quantico, where he was responsible for the operation of a 60,000-acre base, overseeing maintenance of the quality of life, living and working conditions for more than 20,000 military members, families and civilians, working with a staff of more than 300 and controlling an annual budget in excess of $133 million.

He has also played major leadership roles in neighborhood, community and race relations, implementing a variety of high impact initiatives throughout his career. He was recognized by the Marine Corps as the recipient of the 2002 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renowned Service Award.

In the summer of 2000, the city of 29 Palms, California, dedicated a park located next to City Hall in honor of Major General Stanley. The park, which contains several monuments in recognition of past local military achievements, was officially named Clifford L. Stanley Park.

Stanley has ties to Penn. For the past two years, he served as keynote speaker at the concluding dinner for the Wharton Leadership Venture Program with the U.S. Marine Corps at Quantico, and this past October, he served as a leadership speaker at the Wharton School.

"Cliff is a superb manager and strategic thinker with a natural ability to bring out the best in people," said Patrick Harker, dean of the Wharton School at Penn. "I have known him since I was a White House Fellow and have always been impressed by his energy and ability to motivate people."

Stanley joined the Marine Corps in 1969, where he earned progressively more senior command responsibilities, serving at various times as Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Commander and Regimental Commander.

He received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from South Carolina State University and a Master's degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

Stanley is a recipient of the Legion of Merit; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorius Medal with Gold Star; and the Navy Commendation Medal.

He has also served as a psychology and leadership instructor for the U.S. Naval Academy; Special Assistant and Marine Corps Aide for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy; and Marine Corps Institute and Parade Commander.

Stanley and his wife Rosalyn have a daughter who is currently serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.