Under J. Linwood Eisenberg’s leadership, Slippery Rock State College grew from a normal school with an enrollment of 500 to full collegiate status, offering four-year degrees and an enrollment of more than 1,000 students. Having previously served as superintendent of schools in Chester County, this highly experienced teacher and administrator enlarged the campus, launched a major building program and instituted new and innovative academic programs. He created a new physical education program, a commercial department with programs in bookkeeping, shorthand and teacher training for commercial teachers, and a special two-year course designed for those who planned to teach in Pennsylvania’s rural schools but were unable to take the regular normal school course. He earned a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts degree and a master's degree from Ursinus College, and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.