The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU) elected new members to its board of trustees at its 69th annual meeting at the Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany.
The board of trustees for CICU is comprised of presidents of colleges and universities from every region of New York State and highlights the diversity of institution type and size within New York State’s Independent Sector of higher education. The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) aims to provide opportunity and access to higher education through fairness, equity, and humanity. New York is home to the largest Independent Sector of higher education in the country with more than 100 independent colleges and universities educating nearly 500,000 students annually. CICU is governed by a Board of Trustees and its President.
“I am grateful to be recognized by my peer presidents for being appointed to a leadership position on the Board of Trustees at CICU as First Vice Chair,” said Molloy University President James Lentini. “The work of the Council on Independent Colleges and Universities has never been more vital, with changes to policies being considered at the federal level that could negatively affect our students. New York has over 100 independent colleges and universities that provide transformative education for our citizens, while providing the critical skills needed in today’s workforce for our state.”
The newly appointed members to the CICU board of trustees are:
- Charles F. Seifert, Siena College, as chair
• James Lentini, Molloy University, as first vice chair, and
• Sharon DeVivo, Vaughn College, as second vice chair
• Steven K. Stoute, Canisius University
• Michael Brophy, Hilbert College
• Charles Gibbs, Metropolitan College
• Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., Houghton University
• Kenneth Daly, St. Thomas Aquinas
• Todd Pfannestiel, Utica University
• Marc C. Conner, Skidmore College
• Matthew Shaftel, Russell Sage College
• Reverend Brian J. Shanley, St. John’s University
“We are proud to have such a strong incoming class of trustees to lend their expertise, talent, and vision for ensuring higher education in New York State remains strong,” said Lola W. Brabham, president of CICU. “I look forward to the diversity of perspectives and wealth of experience they bring on higher education issues, including health care, educator preparation, workforce development, and social equity,” Brabham said. “Each president on CICU’s Board of Trustees is an invaluable voice that will help elevate and amplify CICU’s advocacy for the Independent Sector.”
To learn more about CICU, please visit cicu.org.