University at Albany President George M. Philip Announces Retirement

UAlbany President George M. Philip

Albany, N.Y. (November 18,2011) — George M. Philip announced today his plans to step down as the President of the University at Albany. Philip was named the 18th President of UAlbany in June 2009 after serving as interim president since November 2007.

Philip assumed the interim role upon retiring from his position as the head of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS), one of the 10 largest public retirement funds in the country. After a nation-wide search, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher asked Philip to continue his service as UAlbany's 18th President. As a result, Philip postponed his retirement plans to serve his alma mater. He will continue to serve as president until a search is completed and the State University of New York Board of Trustees appoints a new president.

Philip earned both his undergraduate ('69) and master's ('73) degree from the University at Albany and holds a Juris Doctorate from Western New England Law School in Springfield, Massachusetts. As a UAlbany alumnus, his passion for the institution's success was reflected in his staunch volunteerism and service, particularly in University governance. He served on the University Alumni Association board, chaired the University Council for over 12 years, and is a member of the board of directors of the Research Foundation.

"I am proud to be a graduate of this outstanding institution and feel deeply honored to have served as its president," said Philip. "I have personally witnessed the University's growth from a teacher's college to a thriving research University and believe it is poised for even greater success. I thank Chancellor Zimpher and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering support during my tenure. It has been a privilege to work with a remarkable group of faculty, students and staff. I now look forward to spending more time with my family and continuing my friendships with the many University colleagues I have come to know and admire over the years."

"George Philip is truly one of the University at Albany's all-time champions," said Chancellor Zimpher. "His leadership, dedication and unparalleled commitment to its students, faculty and staff have advanced the University's reputation and helped to fulfill SUNY's mission of excellence. Under his leadership the University has grown and strengthened many academic and research initiatives while weathering unprecedented state budget reductions. I wish George much happiness and thank him for serving his alma mater when it was most needed."

During Philip's tenure, the University at Albany accomplished a number of historic milestones. Despite challenging economic times, the University achieved one of its most successful five-year capital plans, attracting nearly $300 million, increased its endowment by 26%, and exceeded $450 million in research expenditures last year – the most among all public institutions of higher education in New York. The University has also served as a catalyst for economic growth for the region most notably through the expansion of its College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Philip led the University through its successful 10-year accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and oversaw the development and launch of the University's Strategic Plan. The University broke ground on a new School of Business building and a new student housing complex and began renovating and expanding its Campus Center. The campus launched its pioneering RNA Institute which brings together leading researchers from higher education and other institutions to develop and deliver novel medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. The University established the Institute for Financial Market Regulation, a first-of-its-kind degree and research program to protect and safeguard our financial markets. For the first time the University was recognized on the 2010 U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Most recently, President Philip worked with Chancellor Zimpher to successfully advocate for Governor Cuomo's landmark NYSUNY 2020 legislation that promises to build the University and spur regional economic growth.

"Through his many years of service, my good friend George Philip has been a steadfast advocate and ambassador for the University," said George R. Hearst III, president of the University at Albany Foundation. "His management and financial experience, profound commitment to students, and his ability to foster public and private partnerships have advanced the University's academic and research mission to new heights. His tireless fundraising efforts greatly increased scholarship support for UAlbany's talented students. I wish him and his family well and continued success."

Alain E. Kaloyeros, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering said, "It's been a pleasure and a privilege to work with George Philip. As president, George demonstrated outstanding leadership and staunch advocacy during a time of great fiscal challenges and superb opportunities. He has advanced the educational, research, and economic innovation agendas of UAlbany, the NanoCollege, and SUNY. For generations to come, The University, New York State and its citizens will benefit from his service. I wish George and his family the very best in his retirement."

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