M E M O R A N D U M

	
					                            May 10, 2011


To:	Members of the Board of Trustees

From:	Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject:	Appointment of James M. Sunser as President – the State
	University of New York Genesee Community College

Action Requested
	The proposed resolution approves the appointment of Dr. James M. Sunser by the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees as the next President of that College.  
Resolution
      
      I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution.

Resolved that the appointment of James M. Sunser as President of Genesee Community College, at a salary of $177,832, effective August 1, 2011 as approved by the Board of Trustees of that College, be and hereby is approved.
		
Background

      I recommend your approval of the appointment of Dr. James M. Sunser as President of Genesee Community College.

      The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees conducted a national search to identify an individual to serve as President of Genesee Community College.  A search committee, which included representatives of all major college constituencies as well as stakeholders in the community, recommended four candidates to the Board of Trustees.  Following extensive campus visits and meetings with all four candidates, the Board appointed Dr. Sunser as President at an annual salary of $177,832 effective August 1, 2011.  
      
      Members of my Executive Committee and I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sunser and to discuss the future of Genesee Community College with him.  He is a long time member of the SUNY family, having spent 22 years at Onondoga Community College, and I am pleased and confident he is the right person for this position. 
 
      Dr. Sunser began his career as Associate Bursar at Syracuse University, a position he held for four years, until 1989, when he moved to Onondaga Community College as Bursar.  Throughout his 22 year career at Onondaga CC, Dr. Sunser took on increasing levels of responsibility in both the finance and academic sides of the house.

      In 1996 he became Vice President, Finance and served as the senior financial officer overseeing financial services, payroll, inventory control, management services, bursar, financial aid, auxiliary services, and capital construction.  His accomplishments include securing $18.7 million in bond sells for construction of the college’s first residence halls and established a comprehensive residence life program and general services to ensure that residence life enhanced the overall educational experience for students. He developed and implemented a strategic planning/budgeting process that involved all faculty and staff members. 

	Subsequent to that position, in 2004, Dr. Sunser assumed the position of Vice President, Continuing & Extended Learning at Onondaga CC.  In this current position he oversees the administration and operation of the continuing and extended learning division including governance; academic and student support services; finance; marketing and community relations; facilities; and business, industry, and economic development.  He is responsible for a $4.5 million annual operating and $11 million annual non-operating budget. 

	Dr. Sunser earned an A.A.S degree from Onondaga Community College in Business: Computer Science; a B.S. degree from Syracuse University in VPA: Communications; a M.S. degree from SUNY College at Brockport in Education: Higher Education Administration; and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Rochester in Education: Higher Education Leadership.  

	He has served as an adjunct instructor at Keuka College and served as a reaccreditation team member and as an external consultant for other educational organizations and institutions.

	Copies of Dr. Sunser’s resume and the resolution of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees are attached.  


Attachments
Board Resolution	-2- 			May 10, 2011