Utica University announces new leadership roles
The individuals within these roles will help to guide the vision for the institution.
Todd Pfannestiel, president of Utica University, has recently announced several additions to the institution’s senior leadership. The individuals within these roles will help to guide the vision for the institution, ensuring a substantial return on investment for Utica’s students and a sustainable path forward for the university.
“It gives me great pleasure to inform everyone of the appointment of Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Utica University,” President Pfannestiel said. “She will no doubt seamlessly transfer into this role following her nearly year-long appointment as interim Provost and Senior Vice President at the institution.”
Dr. Nesbitt's appointment comes after a national search which culminated in campus visits from three highly-qualified candidates. Dr. Pfannestiel thanked the search committee, chaired by Dean Jim Teliha, for their work on what he described as a very tight timeline.
"When I joined Utica University as an Assistant Professor in August 2012, I could not have dreamed I would have the opportunity to serve the University in this capacity,” said Dr. Nesbitt. “I am honored and humbled that President Pfannestiel, with the support of the campus community, has offered me the role of Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. In the past year, while Interim Provost, the Academic Affairs team and I have tackled several initiatives to strengthen the academic enterprise at the University. The team worked to improve student retention, support for faculty endeavors, improve campus life and student experiences, build operational efficiencies, and strategically grow targeted programs. This group of talented and passionate professionals has made significant progress toward our goals and is enthusiastically looking forward to tackling the next wave of improvements. I am thrilled to lead this Academic Affairs team and continue serving this University."
In addition, W. Eric Sykes was recently named Utica University’s new Vice President for Enrollment Management following a comprehensive national search.
“To land a remarkable thought-leader and practitioner in the enrollment management field such as Eric is a testament to his abilities as well as the opportunities Utica University presents,” said President Pfannestiel. “Eric brings a wealth of experience from his previous administrative appointments at Quinnipiac University, Emerson College, Xavier University, and most recently Elmira College.”
Sykes also previously held faculty appointments at Dickinson College and Indiana University-Kokomo. He holds a master's degree in Social and Personality Psychology with a concentration in Psychometrics from Purdue University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago.
"I'm excited to join Utica University,” Sykes said. “I believe strongly in the University's commitment to opportunity, affordability and access and look forward to working with faculty and staff across campus to best communicate the distinctiveness of our programs and recruit highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students to Utica."
The search committee for the Vice President for Enrollment Management was chaired by Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Jason Denman.
“Many thanks to everyone who participated in the search--meeting candidates in open forums and other gatherings, too; your input on this search was valuable and valued,” President Pfannestiel said. “In addition, the assistance of the R.H. Perry search firm has once again significantly benefited our institution. I also wish to thank Jessica Nelson for her amazing work as interim Vice President of Enrollment Management over the past year, as well as everyone in Admissions and Student Financial Services for continuing to move the University forward during this transition period.”
Kristin Haag has agreed to succeed Pam Salmon as Vice President for Financial Affairs and Treasurer following Pam’s retirement after 15 years of service to the institution. Kristin brings nearly 30 years of accounting and financial management experience to her new role, including the past 12 at Utica University.
“I thank Pam for her service and dedication to Utica University, and we wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement,” said President Pfannestiel. “I'm equally grateful to Kristin for assuming her new role.”
As Assistant Vice President for Financial Planning and Analysis, she has established processes that better ensure the alignment of the University's financial resources with our academic mission and strategic goals.
“I have proudly served Utica University for the last 12 years, and I am honored to be appointed to the role of Vice President of Financial Affairs and Treasurer,” Haag said. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to provide effective stewardship of the University’s financial affairs. We will refine our processes and enhance financial reporting while focusing on exemplary service.”
