Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Stephanie Nesbitt will become Utica University’s eleventh president on Jan. 1, 2026 and will serve until July 31, 2028. The announcement was made on Oct. 28 when Board of Trustees Chairperson Jeremy Thurston notified the community that President Todd Pfannestiel submitted his resignation. 

“I am committed through July of 2028 to giving everything I have to moving [the university] forward,” Nesbitt said. “When you take a job like president, you don’t make that decision by yourself; you make that decision with your family.”

Nesbitt said during her presidency she wants to see the university execute the reinvisioning plan announced in July. She explained that the plan is not anything new, but instead returning to the university’s roots and showing why the Mohawk Valley community partnered with Syracuse University to create Utica University (then Utica College) in the first place. 

The incoming president also expressed her goals to increase campus engagement and morale. Nesbitt said the change starts small. For example, instead of driving back home immediately after the day is over, she encourages students, faculty and staff to break their patterns, walk around campus, and stay in offices to meet with more students. 

“It seems overly simplistic, but we have to start with the little things,” Nesbitt said.

Recently, Utica University has dealt with financial challenges, which Pfannenstiel addressed during the July reinvision plan announcement.

According to Leonore Fleming, president of Utica’s faculty union AAUP-Utica and professor of Philosophy, there has been a troubling lack of transparency from university leadership. 

“We have consistently asked for the full truth, and the lack of clarity from the administration has greatly impacted campus morale—which, of course, impacts the student experience,” Fleming said. 

Over the past month the union has discussed creative solutions to the financial challenges present at the school with Nesbitt.

“My hope is that incoming President Nesbitt will listen to the voices of faculty, staff and students, be honest and transparent with the University community, and honor our contractual agreements,” Fleming said. “There are rough waters ahead, but if we work together, we can navigate them successfully.”

Professor of Economic Crime Management Bernie Hyman said the next president should be someone who already knows the university and Nesbitt fits that role.

“While there is something majestic and beautiful about adding new blood to our community, we need action on day one of the next administration,” Hyman said. “The ascension of Provost Nesbitt to President Nesbitt fulfills the immediate needs of this great community. I am hopeful that her leadership will shepherd into a period of renewed prosperity.”

Student Government President Evelyn Enriquez also expressed how a change in leadership is challenging, but she believes that incoming President Nesbitt will be the kind of leader the university needs right now. As SGA President, Enriquez agrees with Nesbitt’s goals moving forward in wanting to increase campus morale, putting the students first in decision making and maintaining a positive and supportive campus.

“Utica University would benefit from a leader who is student-focused, forward-thinking, and dedicated to fostering inclusion and innovation—someone who listens actively and builds on the strong foundation already in place,” Enriquez said. “I believe we’ve already found that kind of leader in Provost Stephanie Nesbitt.”

Professor Fleming, President of Faculty Union: 

“Over the past year there has been a troubling lack of transparency from the University leadership. We have consistently asked for the full truth, and the lack of clarity from the administration has greatly impacted campus morale—which, of course, impacts the student experience. 

The past year has truly demonstrated that faculty working conditions are student learning conditions, and we are hopeful that we can now improve both.

The good news is that for the past month, the Union has been in constructive dialogue with Provost Nesbitt. We are discussing creative solutions to the University’s financial challenges, including alternatives to firing a large number of faculty in December. 

These conversations have been positive, and we are hopeful they will result in solutions that give students a predictable, stable future. 

My hope is that incoming President Nesbitt will listen to the voices of faculty, staff and students, be honest and transparent with the University community, and honor our contractual agreements. There are rough waters ahead, but if we work together, we can navigate them successfully.”

Professor Hyman, Economic Crime Management

Were you surprised by his resignation? Why or why not. 

I was very surprised at the timing of the announcement. President Pfannestiel made a statement during our last Faculty Senate meeting that led me to believe that he was contemplating whether he would be here in the Spring. So, I wasn’t shocked at the announcement but surprised that it came so soon.

How would you describe his relationship with faculty? 

The President’s relationship with the Faculty has been rocky and strained to say the least. Frankly, since I started teaching here full-time in 2014, the Faculty and the Administration have had a somewhat tense relationship. He inherited some of the issues that have festered from the two previous administrations.

What were some of his accomplishments and missteps?

It is very difficult to answer this question. His time as President was so short-lived that I cannot answer this question with any level of confidence. As Provost, I thought he did a Yeoman’s job guiding us through some very difficult times.

What qualities would you like to see in the next president and what should their priorities be?

Our next President should be someone familiar with the University from top to bottom. We are at a point in our history where we do not have the luxury of time to welcome a newcomer into our midst. Under normal circumstances, a new President takes about a year or so to really understand the culture and complexities of a University such as ours. While there is something majestic and beautiful about adding new blood to our community, we need action on day one of the next administration. The ascension of Provost Nesbitt to President Nesbitt fulfills the immediate needs of this great community. I am hopeful that her leadership will shepherd into a period of renewed prosperity.

On a personal note, I will miss Todd because he was always decent and respectful to me.  He always listened to me whether or not he disagreed with me. I wish him the best wherever his journey takes him.

Evelyn Eniquez, President of SGA

“Change in leadership always brings mixed emotions, but I’m grateful for President Todd Pfannestiel’s service and the progress made during his time at Utica University. This transition also opens the door for new ideas and continued growth for our campus community

As students, we’re not always involved in the details of administrative decisions, but my focus has consistently been on maintaining a positive and supportive campus environment. The Utica community remains committed to collaboration, transparency, and keeping students at the heart of every decision. 

I believe President Pfannestiel made a genuine effort to connect with students. He often ate lunch in the cafeteria, hoping students would sit and talk with him. That said, I think those efforts could have been promoted more so more students knew about them. What’s most important is that our next president continues to build those strong, direct relationships with students.

Utica University would benefit from a leader who is student-focused, forward-thinking, and dedicated to fostering inclusion and innovation—someone who listens actively and builds on the strong foundation already in place. I believe we’ve already found that kind of leader in Provost Stephanie Nesbitt.

Leadership transitions naturally bring some change; however, Provost Nesbitt shares many of the same values and ideas as President Pfannestiel. As we move into the Spring 2026 semester and she steps into the presidency, I’m confident student life will continue as usual and our community spirit will remain strong.”