Utica University leadership change coming in 2026

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica University will have new leadership in 2026 after current president Todd Pfannestiel submitted his resignation with plans to step down at the end of the 2025 calendar year. The university’s board of trustees has named Stephanie Nesbitt as Utica University’s next president, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Nesbitt has agreed to serve as president through July 31, 2028, allowing Utica University to begin an orderly search for its next president. That process will start in mid-2027, the university announced. Pfannestiel joined Utica University in 2018 as provost and senior VP for academic affairs and became president in 2023.

Nesbitt is the current provost and senior VP for academic affairs. Her Utica University career began in 2012 as an assistant professor. Over the years, she has served as director of the MBA and risk management and insurance programs, as well as associate dean and dean of the School of Business and Justice Studies. Before joining Utica University, Nesbitt spent more than 16 years in risk management and in-house counsel roles in retail and healthcare organizations. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Nesbitt available to take on this leadership role. Her 13-year history at the University and deep dedication to the University’s mission make her the perfect choice as we move confidently forward,” Jeremy Thurston, chairperson of the Utica University board of trustees, said. “Dr. Nesbitt and the Board of Trustees share a commitment to the investments Utica University is making in programs with strong student interest that support regional and national workforce needs. She is a well-known and respected member of our campus, enjoying good working relationships with internal and external university stakeholders.” Utica University said Pfannestiel has played a key role during his time leading the school, most recently helping to shape a strategic academic and operational restructuring at a “challenging time” for U.S. higher education. The board of trustees “appreciates Dr. Pfannestiel’s willingness to take on tough assignments with grace and wishes him well in his future endeavors.” “Utica University announced a restructuring on July 1 to strengthen the University for the future. The result of an extensive dialogue with a variety of faculty, staff, academic leaders and regional employers, this forward-looking vision is rooted in the values that define Utica University,” Thurston said. “Colleges and universities across the country face demographic and economic shifts. Utica University is acting with prudence and foresight. Dr. Nesbitt will shepherd the critical changes underway to help better align our cost structure to revenue and position Utica University to grow to a student population of 3,750.” Thurston went on to say, “Since we announced this restructuring plan, the Trustees have received many unsolicited pledges of support and affirmation for the decision to focus on a core academic portfolio of professional, pre-professional and STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] offerings … We are committed to a practical approach that is responsive to student interests and employer needs, fueling growth for people, companies and communities. Working together we will evolve to meet the challenges before us and thrive by producing career-ready graduates.”