Students return to the Medaille College campus in Buffalo Monday under brand new leadership. Dr. Kenneth Macur will serve as the 7th president of the school, replacing Dr. Richard Jurasek, who retired at the end of last semester. Macur is the former Provost and Dean of Bethany College in Kansas. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley met with the new leader in his college office.
As some of the region's private colleges have struggled with declines in enrollment and financial difficulties, Medaille's new leader is ready for the challenge. Dr. Macur is a Chicago native with a strong business background. He is the former CEO and owner of a strategic management and technology consulting firm.
"Thinking about measurable goals. Thinking about efficiencies with the resources, again personnel and other spending, and then working with folks to be accountable for hitting those goals," said Dr. Kenneth Macur, Medaille College President.
"My long term background is accounting and finance," said Macur.
WBFO News asked Macur why he wanted to work in Buffalo. "There really were two reasons -- the Medaille College opportunity and the other -- the Buffalo opportunity,' responded Macur.
Macur said during his interview he was presented with information about the college, learning about an institution with 'amazing history' and 'great legacy'.
"Needed to get new leadership to move it to the place it saw its role in the city," said Macur.
In 20014, under the former leader, Medaille made cuts in staffing and faculty and closed its Amherst campus to deal with a deficit of $2.2 million.
Macur said it now comes down to understanding the resources available both from a personnel and outside spending perspective.
"Thinking about measurable goals. Thinking about efficiencies with the resources, again personnel and other spending, and then working with folks to be accountable for hitting those goals," said Macur.
Macur said he and his wife believe Buffalo is the right place to raise their two young daughters, 4 and 6 years old.
"We actually wanted to find a place where we could raise the girls through their high school years and Buffalo was an amazing opportunity to do so," said Macur.
