Shippensburg University is proud to announce Dr. George E. Fitch Jr. as the 2024 winter graduate commencement speaker, and Timothy M. Morris as the speaker for the undergraduate commencement ceremony.
The graduate commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. The undergraduate ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the Heiges Field House.
Both ceremonies can also be live-streamed on Xfinity Channel 1070. The graduate commencement will be available for viewing at 6:45 p.m., and the undergraduate commencement will be available at 10:45 a.m.
Commencement speakers Fitch and Morris exemplify the success that can be a upon graduating from Ship and the accomplishments that alumni can achieve within the workforce.
Dr. George E. Fitch Jr.
Graduate commencement speaker
Dr. George E. Fitch, Jr. graduated from the Shippensburg/Millersville Universities combined program with his doctorate in Educational Leadership. He also is a proud graduate of Howard University in Washington DC where he received his BS in Elementary Education. Dr. Fitch obtained two master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration, from Point Park University. Dr. Fitch holds a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility as well as certifications in administration (K-12) and an Instructional II Elementary Education (K-6).
Dr. Fitch began his career teaching in the Washington D.C. public school system then moved to Samuel Chase Elementary in Prince George’s County Public Schools as the math and grade level chair. Dr. Fitch returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh Pa. and became an originating teacher of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School, now the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh. Dr. Fitch grew and expanded his leadership skills to become the founding principal of Propel Schools – Homestead. Dr. Fitch then moved to York, PA to serve as the Principal and CEO of the only conversion charter school in Pa, Lincoln Charter School.
Dr. Fitch accepted an opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal in The School District of the City of York. The Shippensburg program afforded the direction and provided an opportunity to gain the Superintendent of Eligibility and then the combined program with Millersville offered Dr. Fitch a pathway to gain his doctorate. Dr. Fitch currently works as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the School District of The City of York overseeing multiple departments supporting student success. Dr. Fitch was on the executive team that helped The School District of The City of York become the first school district in The State of Pennsylvania to exit financial recovery. During the 2024 – 2025 School year, Dr. Fitch helped open the William Penn Student Health Center to help students and staff with mental health and health concerns in the building.
He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and serves as an active member on the advisory boards of the Salvation Army of York, and the City of York Health Bureau.
Timothy M. Morris
Undergraduate commencement speaker
Timothy M. Morris is the Chief Commercial Officer for JLG® Industries, Inc. in the Americas.
Tim joined JLG in 1992 and has taken on positions of increasing responsibility since that time. He currently leads the strategic direction and activities associated with customer touchpoints including new machine sales and service, aftermarket field sales, parts distribution centers, customer support centers, marketing, sales compliance, and the SSO’s in Brazil and Mexico. In addition, he has managed the CAT Alliance partnership since its inception in 2005. Tim has held multiple senior level positions in Europe, The Middle East and Asia throughout his career.
Tim represents JLG as an active member of many industry and community organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for Occupational Services, Inc. in Chambersburg PA and Construction Robotics in Rochester NY. Tim also serves on the Shippensburg University Advisory Board for the College of Business and is actively involved with several local and national non-profit organizations that support Autism awareness and Neurodiversity.
Tim earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and is a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Tim is married to his wife Trish, and they have 6 children together.
For more information on the commencement ceremonies, visit https://www.ship.edu/events/commencement/