Trustees at Point Park University Tuesday evening removed the “interim” from Chris W. Brussalis’ title and made him the institution’s ninth president, six months after he stepped in following the departure of Don Green.

Brussalis, 59, a North Hills resident, is a known entity both on campus and in Pittsburgh.

He served on Point Park’s board of trustees before becoming temporary leader on Feb. 1. He also is chairman of The Hill Group, Inc., a national management consulting firm, and an adjunct professor of management and policy at the Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University.

Joseph Greco Jr., chair of the school’s board of trustees, said Brussalis’ performance while in the job temporarily led to the board’s decision to make the appointment permanent. It did so at its quarterly meeting.

“The Board of Trustees is thoroughly pleased with Dr. Brussalis’ exemplary performance as interim president,” the chairman said in a statement Tuesday evening that accompanied the announcement. “We have confidence that Dr. Brussalis’ visionary leadership, his allegiance to Point Park and its students, and his unwavering commitment to excellence will grow the University and enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Pittsburgh.”

Brussalis has more than three decades of experience — teaching at the graduate level while offering guidance to colleges and universities and serving in higher education leadership roles, university officials said.

In an interview, Brussalis said his goals for the university range from growing its nationally known Conservatory of Performing Arts and other academic areas within Point Park, to developing additional sports and recreation venues and multi-generational housing.

He takes the helm at Point Park during a difficult time in higher education, including a decline in the traditional age college population, worries about tuition and debt, and a strong job market leading some students to forgo or delay enrolling.

Point Park has about 3,300 students on its private campus Downtown.

The university, founded in 1960, is developing a strategic plan, and the interim president already was working with campus constituencies to position the school to present it in the fall.

Brussalis expressed delight and excitement to move ahead.

“Point Park is well-positioned to thrive,” he wrote in a release. “We are one of the most dynamic urban universities in America with career-focused educational programs, world-class facilities, and faculty and staff who are driven by our mission to enable our students to achieve their goals,” he said. “I am thrilled with this opportunity, and I am confident that Point Park will continue to impact its students and the Pittsburgh region for years to come.”

Brussalis has a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, a master’s degree in public and business administration from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, according to Point Park.

His teaching and research focus is on management, strategic and economic development, officials said. Brussalis has provided counsel to many Fortune 500 corporations, large institutions, nonprofits, and governments.

He and wife, Christina, have four children.

Green, who had been in the job for 18 months, cited “private, personal and family reasons” for his departure in mid-January.

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