UPDATED 11:30 a.m: This updated story includes a statement from President Todd Pfannestiel and the Interim Provost announcement.
BREAKING NEWS: Utica University President Todd Pfannestiel submitted his resignation to the Utica University Board of Trustees effective Dec. 31, 2025. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephanie Nesbitt will serve as president effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Jeremy Thurston, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said Pfannestiel has played a vital role during his time at the university, most recently helping to shape a strategic academic and operational restructuring at a challenging time for U.S. higher education. He appreciated Pfannestiel’s willingness to take on tough assignments with grace, and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Pfannestiel is Utica University’s 10th president after succeeding former President Laura Casamento in August 2023. He previously served as Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs since Fall 2018.
At 10:30 a.m., the university released a statement from Pfannestiel, who said though he has worked through some challenging times, he is proud of the work that was done to advance Utica University’s founding promise and set the university on a path toward a bright future.
“This decision was not an easy one, but after reflecting on what’s next – both for the University and me personally – I have decided the time is right to pass the baton. Through the conclusion of my presidency, I remain intensely focused on ensuring a seamless transition and continued momentum.”
Before joining Utica, he served on the faculty of Clarion University of Pennsylvania for 20 years, earning the rank of Professor of History. During his time at Clarion, he also served as Dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences, Interim Provost and Acting President.
Thurston said Nesbitt and the Board of Trustees share a commitment to the investments Utica University is making in programs with strong student interest that support regional and national workforce needs.
“The restructuring announced on July 1 is strengthening the University for the future,” Thurston said in an email to the Utica University community on Oct. 28. “The result of an extensive dialogue with a variety of faculty, staff, academic leaders and regional employers, this forward-looking vision is rooted in the values that define Utica University.”
He said Nesbitt is a well-known and respected member of the campus, enjoying good working relationships with internal and external university stakeholders, and has the full confidence of the Board of Trustees. She agreed to serve as interim president through July 31, 2028. Thurston said this will provide essential leadership stability and enable the university to begin an orderly search for its next president starting about a year in advance.
Dr. Ann Damiano will serve as Interim Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs effective Jan. 1, 2026, according to a campus-wide email from Nesbitt. In 2017, she joined Utica University as the Dean of Assessment. Damiano was named Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness in 2019 and Senior Associate Provost in 2023. She has served as a member of the President’s, Provost’s and Joint Cabinets. She participated in the university’s strategic planning, chaired the Academic Assessment Committee, and formed the Institutional Effectiveness Committee.
An updated story will follow.
