By WBFO Newsroom
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-958325.mp3
Buffalo, NY – SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher has recommended UB Provost Satish K. Tripathi as the next president of the university.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher has recommended UB Provost Satish K. Tripathi as the next president of the university.
"It is my great pleasure to recommend Dr. Satish Tripathi as the next president of the University at Buffalo," said Chancellor Zimpher.
Zimpher has asked the SUNY Board of Trustees to convene a special meeting in April in Buffalo when they will formally consider Tripathi's appointment.
"Dr. Tripathi's international reputation as an accomplished researcher and transformative leader in higher education makes him ideally suited to serve as president of the University at Buffalo," said Zimpher.
UB distinguished professor Ester Takeuchi is "very pleased" Tripathi has been recommended. She believes he is prepared to step in and lead the school into the future during critical budget times.
"Having Provost Tripathi was really a major factor in my decision to come to UB. I really believe that Dr. Trip understands the potential of UB and the positive impact that UB can have on the region," said Takeuchi.
Zimpher also named Tripathi as UB's officer-in-charge, effective immediately, with all of the responsibilities and authority of a campus president.
"Major public research universities like UB provide access to high quality, affordable education and engage in research that helps build vibrant communities at home and across the globe. Dr. Tripathi will provide outstanding leadership for UB as it carries out this important mission," said Zimpher.
Tripathi said he was honored to be recommended.
"It would be my distinct privilege to lead our remarkable university, which is recognized for its tradition of excellence and has an extraordinary future ahead," said Tripathi.
Former UB president John B. Simpson served as the 14th president of the university. He was scheduled to retire as of January 15th, but stayed on as the search process for a new leader continued. Zimpher also commended UB Council and Search Committee Chair Jeremy M. Jacobs for conducting an efficient and successful.
The following is a letter issued by Jacobs:
I am pleased that Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher has endorsed Dr. Tripathi's candidacy and is recommending his appointment to the SUNY Board of Trustees.
Dr. Tripathi, an internationally recognized computer scientist, has served as provost - UB's chief academic officer - since 2004. He is one of the principal creators of the UB 2020 plan to enhance excellence across our university which has elevated UB's national and international standing. Under his leadership, UB has recruited many outstanding new faculty members, expanded its research funding, deepened its international ties, and enriched the learning opportunities for students.
From an exceptionally qualified candidate pool, Dr. Tripathi quickly emerged as a front runner in the search committee's review process. His impressive body of work as a scholar and academic leader and his compelling vision for UB's future made him the Council's unanimous recommendation to lead our university. I am confident that he will carry forth and strengthen UB's legacy of excellence. His nomination must be approved by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. The chancellor is asking the board to hold a special meeting in Buffalo around April 1 to consider this recommendation.
Following the board meeting, there will be a reception for the university and the community to celebrate Dr. Tripathi's confirmation as UB's president. We will share the invitation to that event as soon as the date is confirmed. Read more about this news.
Jeremy M. Jacobs, Chairman of the UB Council