November 2025 Update
November 2025
Dear Campus Community,
I am pleased to share an update on the presidential search process as we move forward with this important transition for MCLA. This is a significant moment for the College as we look to identify a leader who will continue advancing MCLA’s mission and values.
The Board of Trustees has appointed the following members of our community to serve on the Presidential Search Committee, representing the broad range of voices that make MCLA strong: trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners.
| Name | Title | Committee Role |
|---|---|---|
| Yvonne Spicer | Trustee | Co-Chair, Trustee Rep |
| Brenda Burdick | Trustee | Co-Chair, Trustee Rep |
| Ben Downing | Trustee | Trustee Rep |
| Tom Bernard | Trustee | Trustee Rep |
| Allie Bayer | Student Trustee | Student Rep, Trustee Rep |
| Judy Roy | Admissions Admin Asst | AFSCME Union Rep, Alumni |
| Brendon Goodridge | Director Housing | APA Union Rep |
| Emily Maher | Professor, Physics | Faculty Union Rep 15+ years |
| Ruby Vega | Professor, Psychology | Faculty Union Rep 10-15 years |
| Jerome Socolof | Professor, FPA | Faculty Union Rep <10 years |
| Brenda Stokes | Exec Dir HR | Non-Union rep, HR liaison |
| Bryana Malloy | Graduate Alumni MBA | Graduate Alumni Rep |
| Crystal Adelt | President of Alumni Board | Undergrad Alumni Rep |
| Mike Barbieri | Foundation Board | Foundation Rep, Alumni |
| Nicole Johnson | DHE -Director of Board Relations | DHE Rep |
| Buffy Lord | Chair of BoT | Liaison |
| Kelli Kozak | Exec Admin | Clerk, Logistics, non-voting |
We extend our sincere thanks to each member for their commitment to this important
work.
Following a competitive process, the Board of Trustees has selected WittKieffer as the executive search firm to assist MCLA. WittKieffer brings deep experience in higher education leadership searches, including recent presidential appointments at Binghamton University and SUNY Geneseo.
In the coming weeks, WittKieffer will work with the committee to learn more about MCLA’s priorities and begin outreach to potential candidates. The position is expected to post in December, with the goal of identifying our next president by late spring 2026 and a start date of July 1, 2026.
The Board and WittKieffer are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. Members of the campus and local community will have opportunities to meet finalist candidates and provide feedback before a recommendation is made to the Board. A dedicated presidential search website will soon be launched to share updates and key milestones.
Thank you for your engagement and support as we move forward with this important work for the future of MCLA.
Sincerely,
Buffy Lord
Chair, Board of Trustees