ALBANY, N.Y. (March 11, 2025) – The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU) elected new members to its board of trustees at its 69th annual meeting, taking place 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 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.”
CICU has announced the appointment of a new Board Chair, Charles Seifert, president of Siena College. President Seifert succeeds Dr. David Harris, president of Union College, who is departing from the role of chair. “I want to thank President Harris for his tireless service as Chair and look forward to working with President Seifert and the Board to ensure higher education is accessible to all who wish to pursue it,” said President Brabham.
“I am honored and pleased to be able to continue my service to CICU – and higher education in New York – by chairing the organization’s Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Seifert. He added, “Being a part of the board and working with my colleagues from fellow institutions to provide opportunity and access to higher education is immensely rewarding, and I look forward to taking on the role of chair of this crucial coalition during these challenging times.”
To learn more about CICU, please visit cicu.org.
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About the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York: CICU represents the public policy interests of more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York State. Founded in 1956 by a small group of college and university presidents, CICU is an educational corporation formed under the New York State Regents whose mission is to provide opportunity and access to higher education through fairness, equity, and humanity. Visit www.cicu.org to learn more.