Search for New President of Empire State College Underway

Members of the presidential search committee met Wednesday, Sept. 19, in Saratoga Springs to finalize a search schedule and begin development of a job description for the next president of Empire State College.

The meeting, led by College Council Chairman James Lytle, (in photo at left, standing) who also is chairing the search committee, began with a charge from SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher (in photo at left, seated) to the committee. Zimpher discussed the importance of the work of the committee members and the key role Empire State College can and does play for all of SUNY, calling the college, “an incredibly big idea.”

She also pledged to remain informed about the search throughout its duration. “I’ll stay with the search every step of the way,” Zimpher said, adding that she expects the committee to “look broadly” for candidates because the college’s geographic reach is so extensive.

Following the chancellor’s remarks, Lytle emphasized the importance of members adhering to a pledge of confidentiality about the work they are about to undertake during the duration of the search and thereafter. Each search committee member was asked to sign a pledge to not discuss with people not on the committee any of the details of the search proceedings.

The composition of the committee is guided by SUNY Board of Trustees’ guideline that were recently revised and approved by the board in January 2012. In accordance with those guidelines, the college sought and was granted waivers to include a member of the faculty specifically designated from the part-time faculty ranks, and members of both the professional and support staffs rather than just one or the other. A waiver also was granted to allow an acting or interim president at the college to become a candidate.

Presidential Search Committee Members Appointed by SUNY Empire State College Council