SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
Week-long search indentifies interim replacement for President Podolefsky
A swift search by the State University of New York Board of Trustees has identified an interim replacement for SUNY Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky.
Dr. Howard Cohen, chancellor emeritus at Purdue University Calumet, on Tuesday was appointed interim president of Buffalo State. Cohen will assume all presidential duties beginning Aug. 1 and throughout the duration of Podolefsky's sick leave.
SUNY's decision, aided by the Buffalo State Council, comes eight days after Podolefsky announced he would be going on an indefinite sick leave to concentrate on the treatment of his prostate cancer.
"I am privileged and honored to have been selected as Buffalo State's interim president," said Cohen, who was also a professor of philosophy at Purdue Calumet, an undergraduate university in Hammond, Ill. "I look forward to building on the success of this exceptional institution of academic excellence."
Cohen brings more than 40 years of experience in higher education to Buffalo State and shares in Podolefsky's innovative vision for public institutions and economic growth.
Throughout his 10-year tenure at Purdue Calumet, Cohen was responsible for record enrollment at the university and other initiatives to boost learning and outreach efforts.
Prior to Purdue Calumet, Cohen was provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay between 1995 and 2001. He has also held positions at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the University of Massachusetts-Boston.
Cohen received an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and master's and doctoral degrees in philosophy from Harvard University.
He will earn an annual salary of $225,000.
"Buffalo State has a mission that is important to me, and I am inspired by the exceptionally dedicated faculty and staff I have already had the pleasure of meeting," Cohen said.
A timeframe for Podolefsky's eventual return to his duties as president is unclear. He was absent from this year's commencement ceremonies because he is taking part in a clinical trial for the treatment of his cancer.
"We are confident Dr. Cohen's distinguished record of experience, success, and commitment to public higher education will provide the strong leadership and continuity needed at Buffalo State during this interim transition," Howard Zemsky, chair of the Buffalo State Council, said in a statement. "The college is fortunate to have someone of this caliber step into this vital role."
Brandon Schlager can be reached by email at schlager.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- There’s More To Vision Health Than Meets the Eye
- Medications and Wellness Essentials Delivered to Your...
- Understanding Spam—And How To Stop It
- 1 in 5 Vehicles on the Road Has an Open Recall—Yours C...
- A Difficult Diagnosis Sparks Hope and Support for...
- Fall For Improved Vehicle Protection
- Six Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season
- BigFuture Resources Help Students Discover College,...
- Anheuser-Busch Celebrates American Growers on National...
- What You Should Know About Healthy Aging
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- How Artificial Intelligence Intersects with Energy
- 6 Reasons Fiberglass is the Pool Material of Choice for...
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Unforgettable Reads
- Navigating “Gramnesia” This Holiday Season
- BookTrib’s Bites: Dive Into These Four Exciting Fall Reads
- Easy Monster Margarita is No Trick, All Treat
- Help Marine Toys for Tots Deliver Hope to Children in...
- 5 Tips to Pick the Right Dental Plan
- BookTrib’s Bites: Four Fascinating Fall Reads
- The U.S. Can Make the Most of AI in Robotics
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Jazz Assistant (www.jazzassistant.com) Create Inspiring Music You can Use and Play
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- DISAPPOINTING AFFIRMATIONS
- Flamin Hot Teams Up with Gabby Windey to Help Fans Cheat on Flamin Hot Cheetos
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES ANNOUNCE AMCS BLUMFEST 2024 WITH ICONIC HORROR FILM SCREENINGS IN 54 CITIES EVERY WEDNESDAY IN OCTOBER