President: Visionary Leader for Student-Centered Higher Ed

Ithaca College (IC), a highly regarded private institution nationally recognized for its distinctive integration of the liberal arts and professional education invites inquiries, nominations, and applications in the search for a bold, strategic, and community-centered leader to serve as its next president .

The College seeks an exceptional, forward-looking leader to guide IC through a consequential period in its history – building on its distinctive strengths while making the strategic choices necessary to ensure its long-term vitality and success.

Founded in 1892, generations of students have been drawn to Ithaca's exceptional combination of rigorous academic preparation, experiential learning, close faculty mentorship, vibrant and inclusive campus life, and a culture that encourages creativity, innovation, and purposeful engagement. Across its five schools, Ithaca College prepares graduates who are thoughtful, skilled, adaptable, and equipped to make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex world. The College's longstanding commitment to "Theory, Practice, Performance" remains both a defining strength and a hallmark of the Ithaca College experience.

This is a pivotal moment in the history of Ithaca College. Like many institutions across higher education, the College faces significant challenges, including demographic pressures, enrollment competition, affordability concerns, financial constraints, increasing demands for innovation, evolving workforce expectations, and questions about the future of higher education itself. At the same time, Ithaca possesses significant strengths upon which to build: highly engaged students; dedicated faculty and staff; nationally recognized academic programs; a passionate alumni community; and a deeply student-centered culture.

The next president will inherit an institution that has entered a period of leadership transition and strategic reflection. Across the community, there is a strong desire to sharpen institutional priorities, strengthen enrollment and financial sustainability, enhance Ithaca's reputation and market position, and articulate a compelling direction for the institution's next chapter. Equally important, stakeholders emphasized preserving the distinctive culture, educational experience, and sense of community that define Ithaca College while adapting to a rapidly changing environment. Throughout the listening process, participants expressed a genuine belief that Ithaca College's best days remain ahead and a desire for leadership that can unite the community around common purpose and shared aspirations.

The next president will be called upon to lead with courage, empathy, strategic discipline, sound judgment, and deep respect for the community. This leader must be capable of making difficult decisions while building trust, fostering collaboration, and inspiring collective action. The College seeks a leader who can honor what makes Ithaca College distinctive while helping the community define what it must become, recognizing that its future depends upon both sound stewardship and an unwavering commitment to student success.

WittKieffer is assisting Ithaca College in this search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 29, 2026.

Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest addressing the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search, Robin Mamlet, Sandra Chu, and Corin Edwards, by using the buttons or sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io .

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $450,000 to $700,000. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the successful candidate's experience, qualifications, and track record of leadership. This range reflects base compensation only and does not include benefits, bonuses, or other perquisites.

IC is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination. ithaca.edu/non-discrimination-statement.