When Utica University students heard about President Todd Pfannestiel’s resignation announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 28, many were surprised and disappointed by the news.
Board of Trustees Chairperson Jeremy Thurston notified the university community of the leadership change that is set to take effect on Dec. 31, also announcing that Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephanie Nesbitt would serve as president through July 2028.
“I’m very shocked and bewildered by the announcement,” said Derek Paradiso, a criminal justice major. “It comes as a surprise to me and my friends.”
Paradiso said his first memory of Pfannestiel was made on the first day of student orientation. “He was incredibly nice and helpful during those days,” he said.
Cybersecurity major Alex Papaleo found the news “incredibly upsetting” and hopes the incoming president can help the school financially.
“President Todd should be remembered for his positive impact on the students,” Papaleo said. “He was pretty involved with students. I honestly think that’s what he’s most known for. From day one, I’ve seen him positively interacting with students.”
Pfannestiel, who took the reigns as president in August 2023 after serving as provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs for five years, said he was stepping down from the leadership role “after reflecting on what’s next – both for the University and me personally – I have decided the time is right to pass the baton.”
An avid hockey fan, Pfannestiel is a regular fixture at Utica University men’s and women’s hockey games, as well as Utica Comets games. Exercise science major Azemi Agim called his resignation “disappointing” because Pfannestiel was deeply involved in campus life, especially supporting the hockey teams.
“He was a great university president and will be missed,” Agim said. “His legacy should be he was a fair and equal man and never lessened anyone in a lower position.”
While many were surprised by the resignation, physical therapy major Jada Anthony was more concerned about the announcement given the current financial hardships the university is experiencing.
Anthony said Pfannestiel’s efforts to promote diversity on campus were among his greatest accomplishments.
“I think he will have a legacy of still enforcing DEI values regardless of how the president of the country feels about that,” Anthony said.
Political science major Jerome Simpson did not get to know Pfannestiel well, but was under the impression he was a decent university president and should be known as a person who did his best.
Whether or not new leadership will impact student life and campus culture at Utica University is unknown to students. However, Simpson said he believes administration looks at students from more of a financial perspective rather than a personal perspective.
In contrast, Anthony said a new president would “definitely” impact student life because it takes a while to get used to that person and how they interact with the campus community.
She added: “They help facilitate the culture on campus so their beliefs will show in the way they lead.”
