SUNY Erie, better known as Erie Community College, has a new president.
The State University of New York Board of Trustees has approved the selection of David Balkin by the ECC Board of Trustees, after an extensive search. Balkin will begin his term as the school's 12th president on Feb. 1, taking over from interim president William Reuter.
“As an educator and a former business executive, Dr. Balkin is an innovative and transformative leader who will work tirelessly to build on the academic excellence we provide," said ECC Board Chair Danise Wilson. "We look to Dr. Balkin to create opportunities through collaboration with businesses and organizations in our area, and be the champion for our students."
Balkan will leave his current post as Chancellor of the South Bend-Elkhart campus of Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana. His resume also includes his role as associate director of regional development and managing director of the Center for Nano Science and Technology at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his college degrees.
"It is my honor to join SUNY Erie and I am excited about the opportunity to more closely align academics with the region’s community and workforce needs," Balkan said in a statement. "Higher education is critical to career success, and I am looking forward to working with the college’s Board of Trustees, faculty and staff to help SUNY Erie students with their educational and career journey.”
