ALBANY, N.Y. (October 3, 2007) -- State University of New York Interim Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark today named George M. Philip officer in charge of the University at Albany. Clark will recommend to the Board of Trustees that Philip be formally named interim president of the campus at an upcoming meeting. The leadership transition has begun and will be complete by October 26th.

"With more than 36 years of experience at the state Teachers' Retirement System, as a University at Albany alumnus, and as chairman of the University Council and a director of the State University Research Foundation, George Philip has the experience, integrity, leadership skills and intelligence needed to lead the University at Albany," said Clark.

Clark added, "At this time, I also want to thank Susan Herbst for the outstanding job she has done leading the campus as provost and as officer in charge."

Prior to naming Philip officer in charge, Clark consulted with the University at Albany Interim President Advisory Committee and the committee unanimously endorsed Philip.

"I am honored by the confidence of Interim Chancellor Clark and I am grateful for the support of the campus committee," said Philip. "I look forward to working with the students, faculty and staff of the campus as we continue the very positive momentum established by Susan Herbst."

After lengthy discussions, the committee made up of representatives of the faculty, administration, students and university council recommended Philip for many reasons including his direct and positive interaction with the administration and faculty, his reputation for honesty and integrity, both personally and professionally and for his ability to provide trusted and strong leadership.

Philip will succeed Susan Herbst, who has taken the position of executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the University System of Georgia. The two will work together to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Philip will not be a candidate for the permanent presidency of the University at Albany and will continue to play a major role in the ongoing presidential search.

Philip is a graduate of University at Albany where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees and also holds a juris doctor degree from Western New England Law School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Following graduation from the University at Albany, Philip served as a teacher in Linton High School in Schenectady. He joined the staff of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System as an information representative in 1971.

During his 36-year tenure at the System, he has received numerous promotions at the management/executive staff level and has gained extensive knowledge and experience in investments, pension fund administration, actuarial concepts and member services and benefits.

Between 1986 and 1995, he held the executive staff positions of director of budget and investor relations, chief real estate investment officer and assistant executive director/chief investment officer. In February 1995, he was named executive director of the teachers' retirement system.

Philip continues to serve as the System's chief investment officer. With a total membership of more than 400,000 people, the New York State Retirement System is one of the 10 largest public retirement funds in the nation and manages assets of $105 billion.

Philip is a member of numerous professional organizations and governing bodies involved in financial, educational and community activities. Philip and his wife Sandra reside in Burnt Hills, NY. They have three children.

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 417,500 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses.