A longtime State University at New York leader, who is familiar with leading colleges in trouble, has been appointed Interim President of Niagara County Community College.
NCCC has been without a President since April, when James Klyczek retired under fire. Klyczek was the college's longest serving President, but was being investigated for big rigging contracts and disparaging comments made to college administrators about a sexual assault victim.
The SUNY Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the NCCC Board of Trustees, approved the appointment of William Murabito to replace Klyczek. Trustees said Murabito has provided "guidance and stability" to the college communities he has served.
“We are confident that Dr. Murabito will provide strong leadership as NCCC continues to achieve its vision and strategic goals,” said NCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Vincent Ginestre. “We are pleased to have a leader with Dr. Murabito’s proven success record and depth of experience in the SUNY system.”
Murabito was Interim President at SUNY Cobleskill in 2002, Sullivan County Community College in 2011, and SUNY Morrisville in 2013, and as well as CEO/Officer-in-Charge at Rockland Community College in 2003.
Prior to those appointments, he held several positions at SUNY System Administration between 1983 and 2002, including Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Executive Director for University Technology Colleges and Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Life.
Murabito earned his bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College, a master’s from the University at Albany and his doctorate from the University of Illinois.
Trustees said his appointment is effective on Oct. 16 and that his appointment will continue for a year or until the Board appoints a successor.