SUNY Board Names George M. Philip as Interim President of the University at Albany

Albany - The State University of New York Board of Trustees today unanimously voted to name George M. Philip the interim president of the University at Albany, effective immediately.

"George Philip's long and distinguished professional career has benefited those working and learning in primary, secondary and higher education," said SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Carl T. Hayden.  "We anticipate George will do an outstanding job leading the University at Albany campus as its interim president."

"We expect George will build on his outstanding record of public service at the University at Albany," said SUNY Interim Chancellor Dr. John B.Clark.  "George Philip's experience in the classroom as a teacher, as the executive director of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System, as a member of the State University Research Foundation Board of Directors and as the chairman of the University at Albany Council makes him ideally qualified to lead the campus."

"The students, faculty and staff of the University at Albany are exceptionally dedicated to education, research and public service," said Philip, "and I look forward to the opportunities we face together.  I appreciate the support of Interim Chancellor Clark and the Board and the confidence of the campus community as we continue the University’s forward momentum."

Prior to forwarding Philip's name to the Board for consideration, Interim Chancellor Clark consulted with the University at Albany Interim President Advisory Committee.

After lengthy discussions, the committee, which was made up of representatives of the faculty, administration, students and university council, unanimously recommended Philip for many reasons, including his direct and positive interaction with the administration and faculty, his reputation for honesty and integrity, both personally and professionally and for his ability to provide trusted and strong leadership.

Philip will step down from his position as chair of the University at Albany Council and of the presidential search committee.  He will not be a candidate for the permanent presidency of the university at Albany, but will retain an advisory role in relation to the ongoing presidential search.

Philip succeeds Susan Herbst, who has taken the position of executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer for the University System of Georgia.

Philip will receive an annual salary of $280,000, reside in the president's house on campus and will have use of a state-owned automobile.

Philip is a graduate of University at Albany, where he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees and also holds a J.D. degree from Western New England Law School in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Mr. Philip served as a teacher in Linton High School in Schenectady, NY. He joined the staff of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System as an information representative in 1971.

During his 36 year tenure at the System, he received numerous promotions at the management/executive staff level and has gained extensive knowledge and experience in investments, pension fund administration, actuarial concepts and member services and benefits.

Between 1986 and 1995, he held the executive staff positions of director of budget and investor relations, chief real estate investment officer and assistant executive director/chief investment officer. In February 1995, he was named executive director of the teachers' retirement system and retired Oct. 2007.

With a total membership of more than 400,000 people, the New York State Retirement System is one of the 10 largest public retirement funds in the nation and manages assets of $105 billion.

Philip is a member of numerous professional organizations and governing bodies involved in financial, educational and community activities. Philip and his wife Sandra reside in Burnt Hills, N.Y. They have three children.

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research and public service engages 17,000 diverse students in ten schools and colleges across three campuses.

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 427,000 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu

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