Dear Siena Community,
The President of Siena College should always be someone who is passionately and personally invested in the mission and Franciscan tradition of our institution. We expect our president to show reverence and understanding of our history and share in our vision and ambition for Siena’s future, while possessing the skills and resolve to lead us forward. The bar has been set tremendously high by Siena presidents who have held the office with honor and distinction. From the very beginning of this search, one person has stood out as eminently qualified to continue this legacy.
At the recommendation of the presidential search committee, and by unanimous support of the College’s Board of Trustees, Charles Seifert, Ph.D., was officially appointed the 13th President of Siena College at our Board meeting this morning.
Siena has charted a trajectory that defies recent trends in higher education. Over the past several years, against the backdrop of a pandemic, our institution has set enrollment and fundraising records, established financial sustainability, and built new facilities while drawing the blueprints for what’s to come. This is a special moment in Siena’s history, and the Board adamantly believes it necessary to build on the momentum. By no coincidence, the perfect person to lead us forward has played a leading role in taking us this far.
Over 26 years at Siena, Dr. Seifert has served the College as a faculty member at every rank, dean, and interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. The former banker and CFO is the founder of Siena’s Institute for Leadership Development and has steered numerous committees and task forces. A devout Christian and proud Franciscan, Dr. Seifert has been a mentor in Siena’s men’s spirituality group and has collaborated closely with the Most Reverend Edward Scharfenberger, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.
Dr. Seifert has been instrumental in Siena’s recent successes. He has exceeded every standard set forth by the Board, and his nomination was unanimously advanced by the Presidential Search Committee, which included representation from all constituency groups on campus. I’m proud that a member of our community – by absolute devotion to Siena, impeccable credentials, and a strong track record for leadership – has distinguished himself so clearly for the presidency. Plus, as you’ll see in the video above, Dr. Seifert has the unwavering support of the Board, President Gibson, Provost Madden, and our community of friars.
Dr. Seifert will begin his term on June 1, 2023; we look forward to his inauguration ceremony on September 21.
Sincerely,
Tom Baldwin '81
Chair | Siena College Board of Trustees