State University of New York Chancellor Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, has named Vice President for Decision Support Mitchell S. Nesler as officer-in-charge of SUNY Empire State College. Nesler will begin his new duties March 3, 2018, following the departure of SUNY Empire’s fourth president,  Merodie A. Hancock, who announced in December that she will lead Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey, effective March 5, 2018.

“Mitch’s long-standing leadership at SUNY Empire and true appreciation of our mission, combined with our strong leadership team, will provide a steadying force as the college implements its new Strategic Plan and moves forward with our 2019/20 Middle States reaccreditation” said Hancock. “Through his leadership of the strategic planning process as well as the Middle States review, Mitch has shown himself a collaborative leader, who seeks input from many across all segments of the college community to help guide decision making. This leadership style will serve the college, its students, faculty and staff, well as we move forward. I am delighted with this appointment and wish him, and the college, an exciting future changing the lives of students across New York and around the globe.”

As officer-in-charge, Nesler will assume all the responsibilities and duties of a president of Empire State College.

“I am honored to take on this leadership role at SUNY Empire State College and extend my warmest appreciation to Chancellor Johnson for asking me to accept this responsibility. SUNY Empire State College is an outstanding institution, with an incredibly committed faculty and staff, and we are poised to serve the people of the state of New York in new and innovative ways” said Nesler. “I want to thank President Hancock for her leadership and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.  I look forward to working with the college’s cabinet and the college community to realize the goals we have collectively put forth in the college’s new  strategic plan.”

The chancellor’s announcement and a bio of Nesler are available online.