Campus News

New Leadership Team Takes Shape

(September 22, 2005)

The University at Albany has a new provost, a new vice president for development, a new vice president for governmental affairs and public relations, a new vice president for student success, and a new vice provost for enrollment management, all part of President Hall's newly constituted executive committee.

Including a range of the University's top leaders, the executive committee assists the president by providing strategic guidance and recommendations. All but one of the newest members are now on campus.

Susan Herbst

Susan Herbst is the new provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University. Prior to joining the University, she was dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University and professor of political science.

At Temple, Herbst was responsible, since 2003, for strategic planning, finances, recruitment, fundraising, and alumni affairs of the College of Liberal Arts. She previously held positions at Northwestern University, including associate dean for faculty affairs and chair of the political science department.

Herbst has written numerous academic works, including Reading Public Opinion: Political Actors View the Democratic Process (University of Chicago Press, 1998) and Politics at the Margin: Historical Studies of Public Expression Outside the Mainstream (Cambridge University Press, 1994). She is a graduate of Duke University and received her doctorate in communication theory and research from the University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communications, in Los Angeles.

"Dr. Herbst is universally recognized as one of the rising stars of American higher education administration. She brings a record of outstanding scholarship and demonstrated administrative skills to her role as the number two person at the University. The fact that she is a native of Peekskill, N.Y., will serve the University especially well," said Hall.

James A. Anderson

James A. Anderson has been named the new vice president for student success and vice provost for institutional assessment and diversity, and he will assume the post in mid-November. He is currently vice president and associate provost for institutional assessment and diversity at Texas A&M University, and a professor in the Department of Psychology.

At UAlbany, Anderson will lead efforts to build on student academic success and learning, create innovative approaches to student affairs, strengthen the University's relationships with diverse people, and build community relations and outreach.

"This new approach to student affairs sets UAlbany apart from other universities in the nation," said Hall. "James brings with him an integrated approach to understanding and developing the range of influences that affect student success, as well as a track record of working with the communities that impact our students' lives."

Anderson's research and publications have focused on the development of student learning styles across gender, race, culture and class; the formal assessment of student learning in the college classroom; and the examination of how diversity impacts student learning, retention, and overall institutional effectiveness.

From 1992 to 2003, Anderson served as vice president for undergraduate affairs at North Carolina State University, and before that, he served on the faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Xavier University of New Orleans. He earned his bachelor's degree at Villanova University and his doctorate in psychology from Cornell University.

Deborah A.W. Read

Deborah A. W. Read is the new vice president for development at the University. Prior to joining the University, she was vice president for University Advancement at Northern Kentucky University. As the University's chief development officer, Read works closely with alumni and the University at Albany Foundation to advance UAlbany's fund-raising and awareness goals.

At Northern Kentucky, Read was responsible for a successful $51 million comprehensive fund-raising campaign that concluded nine months ahead of schedule and $11 million over goal.

She also previously served as vice president for Advancement at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa.,and as director of University Development at the University at Maryland, College Park during a $350 million campaign. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park.

"Deborah Read brings a wealth of experience and a seasoned understanding of how to build an effective development and alumni program. She has proven her merit in successfully running a major capital campaign and in spreading the word about the value of investing in higher education," said Hall.

Charles R. Williams

Charles R. Williams, formerly the senior manager for government affairs for MCI, is the new vice president for governmental affairs and public relations at the University.

As the University's chief government and public relations officer, Williams is responsible for directing initiatives that strengthen the understanding of and support for the University among local, state and federal officials as well as the community at large.

"Charles has showcased outstanding talent in advocating for organizations before the executive and legislative branches of government, and before national professional and political organizations as well as the private sector. His work has been highly effective with leaders of government in addressing policy issues in higher education, particularly those issues unique to New York and Albany," said Hall.

At MCI, Williams directed state legislative efforts and acted as primary officer of the MCI NY political action committee. Williams recently helped secure approval of several multi-million dollar contracts amid intense competition.

Williams served as senior staff advisor for education to New York State Governor George Pataki from January 1999 through March 2004. Williams previously served on the staff of New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno.

Williams received his bachelor's degree in political science from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and earned his master's in public administration from UAlbany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

Wayne A. Locust

Wayne A. Locust, formerly vice chancellor for enrollment and university life at the State University of New York, is the new vice provost for enrollment management at the University.

As the University's chief enrollment and financial aid officer, Locust will manage and oversee all enrollment and financial assistance programs and scholarships, and will work with the University's public relations and marketing programs to achieve enrollment goals.

"Wayne brings an exceptional level of expertise in the national issues of enrollment and financial aid, coupled with a unique perspective on the State of New York and the Northeast region," said Hall.

At SUNY, Locust was appointed vice chancellor for enrollment and university life in 2004 after having served as associate vice chancellor for enrollment management since 2001. Prior to joining SUNY, he was director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Connecticut; associate and then director of admissions at the University of Rochester; and assistant director of admissions at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

During his career, he has achieved success in many recruitment programs, including significant recruitment of out-of-state students and students from secondary markets, and campaigns for underrepresented populations.

Locust, a Philadelphia native, earned an undergraduate degree in political science and a master's in administration at West Chester University.

Besides these new members, the executive committee includes: Interim Vice President For Research Lynn Videka, Vice President For Student Affairs James P. Doellefeld, Vice President For Finance And Business Kathryn Lowery, Vice President And Chief Administrative Officer Of College Of Nanoscale Science And Engineering Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President For Athletic Administration And Director Of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Mcelroy, Director Of Office Of Diversity And Affirmative Action Laurel Allen, Associate Vice President For Student Affairs Christine Bouchard, Chief Of Staff Vincent Delio, Chief Information Officer Christine Haile, Associate Vice President For Media And Marketing Catherine Herman, And University Counsel John Reilly.