*Updated on August 23rd*

On Monday, August 22, Laura Casamento announced in a campuswide email that she will be retiring from her position as President of Utica University on July 31, 2023 after careful consideration with her family.

“Throughout my time as a member of this community, and particularly during these past six, I have been fortunate and grateful to have your support, both personally and professionally,” Casamento said. “Through it all, this community has risen to the challenge and supported each other. For that, I cannot put into words my appreciation for all of you.”

Casamento interviewed for the position in early 2016 and has been located in the president’s office for the past 6 years.

During this time, she helped establish the current 5-year Strategic Plan and guided the transition of Utica from college to an official university during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A key priority of President Casamento’s tenure has been to improve student outcomes, the quality of the student experience, and affordability,” Board Chair Robert Brevnik ’77 said. “Through several innovative programs such as the four-year guarantee and the tuition reset, our six-year graduation rate has significantly improved, while student debt has decreased by 30%, on average, at graduation.”

A transition plan has been shared with the Board of Trustees detailing goals and targets for the next year. Trustee Heidi Hoeller will chair the presidential search committee. 

As the semester progresses students will continue to hear more about the ongoing presidential search.

Updates will be added as more information becomes available