COLONIE – Siena Faculty has chosen, as its subsequent president, a professor who has labored there for 26 years.
Charles “Chuck” Seifert didn’t begin out in a profession that appeared destined to result in faculty administration. He labored as a banker, rising to the extent of vp and chief monetary officer, earlier than deciding to show administration on the facet. Then, falling in love with educating, he received his doctorate in order that he might train full time as a professor.
At Siena, he was tenured after which grew to become division chair. He was promoted to dean of the College of Enterprise, however after 9 years, he resigned to return to the classroom. Whereas on sabbatical earlier than taking on educating once more, he was unanimously appointed the school’s president.
“I wished to return to college,” Seifert stated with amusing after a information convention saying his new function.
He determined to use for the presidency after a lot thought, he stated. He’s enthusiastic about the place he can take Siena.
“We’re at an inflection level, the place we will actually take off,” he stated, envisioning a day quickly by which Siena is a “high-demand faculty and everybody is aware of our accolades.”
College students who had labored with him attended the announcement, happy that he had been chosen.
“He was an unimaginable mentor,” stated Sam Hearn, a senior, who stated Seifert taught him how to attract extra college students into management roles whereas they labored collectively on faculty occasions.
“One factor he’s actually helped me see is those that have potential however aren’t engaged but,” Hearn stated. “I need to assist folks attain their potential. Chuck’s proven me how to try this.”
Underneath Seifert, he additionally determined to enter enterprise as an alternative of regulation or drugs. Seifert helped him see that society wants extra enterprise leaders who need to construct a “extra simply, peaceable and humane” world, he stated.
That phrase is a part of Siena’s Franciscan values. In selecting the following president, leaders stated they wanted somebody who they had been positive would uphold these traditions.
“We regarded first inside our residence,” stated former president the Rev. Kevin Mullen. “Anyone who embodies our values. As a friar, I see Chuck as my brother.”
Seifert stated Siena has made him a greater individual during the last 26 years.
“It’s a fully great establishment and I find it irresistible dearly,” he stated.
He’ll take workplace on June 1, when President Christopher Gibson retires after three years as president.
Seifert has a bachelor’s in economics from the College at Buffalo, a MBA in finance from Sage Graduate College, and a doctorate in organizational research with a specialization in management from the College at Albany.