He also graduated with a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Florida State University.
On June 14, 1980, McNutt was elected Coadjutor Bishop of Central Pennsylvania after the fourth ballot, during a convention held at Bucknell University.
He was consecrated on November 8, 1980 by Presiding Bishop John Allin at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He succeeded as diocesan bishop on June 12, 1982 during a service in the Rooke Chapel of Bucknell University.
McNutt married Alice Turnbull and had three children, Thomas, Charlie, and Alison.