Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt officially becomes Utica’s 11th President
“Since her arrival at Utica more than a decade ago, Dr. Nesbitt has demonstrated a strong capacity for visionary leadership and an ironclad commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve.”
With October 1 came a new month in a new season and the marking of a new chapter for Utica University.
Surrounded by friends and family, as well as numerous faculty, staff, and members of the Utica University and surrounding community, Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt officially took the reins as Utica University’s Eleventh President.
Hundreds filled the Utica University Nexus Center in downtown Utica in support of a new chapter in the University's 80 year history as the former Provost and Professor became President and marked the opening of Homecoming - Alumni and Family Weekend.
As the ceremony got underway, the procession of administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and delegates from fellow institutions processed through the Nexus Center to a live rendition by the Utica University Concert Band of Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland under the direction of Utica Adjunct Lecturer of Music Michael Dimeo.
The procession was led by Professor Thomas Rossi, carrying and later presenting to Dr. Nesbitt the mace - a symbol of the unique mission of Utica University, which is to provide a higher education that is accessible to all, liberal and humanizing, practical and purposeful. A gift from the Class of 1989, the mace was designed and made by Doctor James Caron, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, with the collaboration of Professors Randall Huta, Edward Jones, Stephen Peek, Ralph Fimmano, and David Moore. It was adopted in 1990 as Utica began its transition toward an independent institution.
The ceremony brought together members of the Utica University community, alumni, trustees, community leaders, delegates from other academic institutions, and other special guests as the University officially marks the beginning of Dr. Nesbitt’s presidency.
On what is the institution’s 80th year, Dr Nesbitt reflected upon the stories past that brought Utica University to this very moment, evoking the generations of native people and immigrants that came to the Utica area to forge their path in the same way students come to Utica University from all around the world with dreams of their own future.
“Some arrive with firmly fixed notions of who they will become: a journalist, nurse, builder, physical therapist, entrepreneur, an accountant,” Dr. Nesbitt said. “Others find their direction after they arrive, and some come with the simple goal of creating opportunities for themselves and their families that previous generations never had.”
The beauty of these students and their dreams, she said, is that they all share the abiding belief that tomorrow can and will be better than today.
“With their immense capacity for hope, they pour their time, hearts, and souls into their studies because they believe that education can change their lives, because they can imagine a future that does not yet exist and they will create.”
Taking the reins in January 1, 2026 Dr. Nesbitt was officially installed by Jeremy Thurston ’00, chair of the Utica University Board of Trustees.
“As we mark the eightieth anniversary of this institution, we recognize the crucial role Utica’s leadership has played in the success of its educational mission.” Thurston said. “It is common knowledge that colleges and universities in the United States are at a crossroad. In the face of economic and demographic challenges, institutions like ours must act with prudence and foresight, charting a path toward a stronger and more sustainable future. I can think of no one better prepared to meet this moment than Dr. Nesbitt. She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities before us, an abiding belief in the promise of our mission, and the vision to lead us where we want to go. She is just the President we need to ensure that Utica University and its students will continue to thrive.”
President Nesbitt previously served various administrative roles at Utica University, including Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean and Associate Dean of Business and Justice Studies, and Director of MBA programs. She received tenure as a member of the business faculty in 2018. Before joining Utica University in 2012, she spent 15+ years working in the risk management and insurance industry, and as an attorney. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Mohawk Valley EDGE and Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) Board of Trustees.
Her research is in the development and effective teaching of business education programs and legal issues in Cyber Security, and she is a former Wiley Faculty Fellow. Prior to joining Utica, she was Risk Manager and Associate Counsel for Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare.
President Nesbitt received her J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law, her M.B.A. from Syracuse University, her B.A. in Speech Communication from Ithaca College, and her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Cayuga Community College. She holds a 3rd degree black belt in karate, enjoys golf, and is a dedicated fan of the Mazda Miata.
“Since her arrival at Utica more than a decade ago, Dr. Nesbitt has demonstrated a strong capacity for visionary leadership and an ironclad commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve,” Thurston said. “From the start, her expertise in risk management and insurance proved a great asset to the University’s business programs.”
Thurston explained that in every leadership role, Dr. Nesbitt has earned the confidence and admiration of colleagues, students, and stakeholders alike.
“Dr. Nesbitt’s life experience reflects that of many of the students we serve. Her determination and strength of character gave her the ability to overcome obstacles and realize her full potential as a person and a professional. She is, in many ways, an exemplar of the Pioneer spirit.”
Lliana Prosonic, Associate Vice President of Finance and Compliance at HealtheConnections and Adjunct Faculty at York College presented Dr. Nesbitt with the Presidential Medallion - an emblem of office worn on official occasions of the University. It is hung on a chain, which is placed around the President’s neck and bears the institution’s original name Utica College. The Medallion was a gift to the University from former Board Chairperson Larry Bull ’74.
Distinguished Professor of Public Relations and Management and former Dean of the School of Business and Justice Studies Patricia Swann presented Dr. Nesbitt with the Institutional Charter, which officially establishes Utica University as an independent institution, with its own administrative structure, Board of Trustees, and President. It is the charter that grants the University permission to award academic degrees. Dr. Swann was the dean who hired President Nesbitt in 2012 as an Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Insurance.
“We labor, not for riches, God knows we don’t have them, but out of love,” Dr. Nesbitt said. “Love for our students, love for what we do, love for our community, and love for the positive change that we know we make in this world, and we know it was an act of love and commitment that prompted this community to create us 80 years ago.”
Following the ceremony, Dr. Nesbitt joined members of the Utica community for refreshments and a hearty share of congratulations.
