 "Photo: Denis Gostev | The Ticker")
The Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, Feb. 22 was an important event for the Baruch community as Mitchel B. Wallerstein, dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, was appointed the new president of the College.
“I came into New York at the chancellor’s invitation and, after the nomination, was put to the CUNY board and voted on. I joined the meeting and made a short statement,” said Wallerstein.
“I have lot of ideas and energy, so we will be moving forward on a lot of different fronts in the coming academic year.”
According to Jay Hershenson, senior vice chancellor for University Relations and secretary of the Board of Trustees, the chancellor came forward with his nomination during the executive session that followed the conclusion of the policy agenda portion of the meeting. The recommendation was motioned in the public session and the board unanimously and “enthusiastically” approved Wallerstein for presidency.
“It was a very joyous occasion, and Dr. Wallerstein delivered a superb statement of both appreciation and looking forward to all constituencies of Baruch College, one that reflects his extensive experience and public presentation,” said Hershenson.
Hershenson also reported that, as a general principle, CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein informed the other finalists prior to the meeting as a professional courtesy.
According to The New York Times, Wallerstein will take over as the college, one of the most selective in the CUNY system and noted for its business programs, has enjoyed a wave of national recognition in the form of rankings in U.S. News & World Report and Forbes.
Wallerstein will officially take office on Aug. 2 and during his transition period, he will work with Interim President Stan Altman to learn about the constituencies of the college.
“It is still very early and one of the first things that I need to do is dive very deeply into Baruch and its situation,” said Wallerstein. “It would be somewhat presumptuous of me to try to layout a whole agenda until I have a chance to get up to speed with everything that’s going on.”
As a replacement for Wallerstein, the provost at the Maxwell School will announce an interim dean appointment, which will be followed by a national search during the next academic year, similar to the presidential search at Baruch.
After seven years as a dean at Syracuse, Wallerstein will leave behind a series of accomplishments including his international efforts at the university, which he hopes to bring to Baruch.
Michael Wasylenko, senior associate dean of the Maxwell School, said, “What we needed help with was the internal visibility and fund raising, and we found just the right guy for that.”
“He has a number of prospects that he will leave behind for us, and we are sorry to see him go but this is a great opportunity for him,” said Wasylenko.
Wallerstein plans to live in Manhattan and find a place near Baruch where he can fully be a part of the community.
“I want to make sure that Baruch students have every opportunity to succeed and one of the ways to do that is to focus on internalizing the school and maintaining its quality, because it is one of the most outstanding colleges of the CUNY system,” said Wallerstein.
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