Editor’s Note: This is an updated version of a story that was originally published online on Oct. 30. 

It’s been more than a week since Utica University announced a major leadership transition: President Todd Pfannestiel is stepping down on Dec. 31 and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephanie Nesbitt will become the university’s next president on Jan. 1, 2026. 

The news took many students by surprise, however, they said they were grateful for Pfannestiel’s dedication and commitment to students.

Evelyn Enriquez, president of Student Government Association, said moments like this are an opportunity for the university to reflect and grow. 

“I am confident that the university will navigate this transition with the same focus and commitment to excellence that President Pfannestiel exemplified, and I look forward to collaborating with the incoming leadership to continue building on the progress we’ve made together,” Enriquez said. “As President of the Student Government Association, I am committed to ensuring that our students continue to have a strong voice and that the SGA remains a steady and engaged partner with the university’s administration during this time of change.”

For Jenani Brantley, a junior and Child Life/Psychology major, the news was unfortunate but she was hopeful a new administration will do more to improve the lives of Utica University students. 

“I think this change could be a chance for the school to really start listening to students and making meaningful improvements,” Brantley said. 

Finding out that Pfannestiel is stepping down is concerning to Shiann Williams, a business administration major, because she worries for the university’s future. 

“It genuinely frightened me and made me believe that Utica’s current financial situation was so egregious that even the president was unwilling to remain,” Williams said. “Overall, I am filled with fear and uncertainty about the future of this university”.

Some were generally shocked and disappointed when they found out about the leadership change.

“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 that 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.”