Clarkson University Executive and Leadership Team

William McGarry, the Chief Financial Officer at Clarkson University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term capital planning for the institution. Overseeing the university budget, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial sustainability of research initiatives and academic programs across the Potsdam campus. This leadership role involves managing endowment growth and optimizing resource allocation to support partnerships with over 380 industry and government organizations. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, William McGarry directly impacts the ability of the university to provide high-quality education in engineering and the sciences. Furthermore, McGarry coordinates with the Board of Trustees to align fiscal policies with the broader strategic goals of the institution. Through careful management of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to expand hybrid and online learning options, ultimately strengthening the competitive market position of the university within the national higher education landscape.

Abigail Bates, the President at Clarkson University, architects the overarching vision for academic innovation and institutional growth. Overseeing the integration of the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the President drives initiatives that bridge theoretical research with practical industry applications. This leadership role involves fostering collaborative environments where faculty and students engage in hands-on learning across the sciences and business disciplines. By championing the expansion of graduate degree programs, Abigail Bates directly influences the academic reputation of the institution. Furthermore, Bates cultivates relationships with external partners to enhance the professional development opportunities available to the student body. Through strategic oversight of the university mission, the President ensures that all academic offerings remain aligned with current market demands, thereby solidifying the status of the university as a premier national research institution dedicated to preparing graduates for complex professional challenges.

Karen Collins, the President at Clarkson University, manages the operational expansion of the Reh School of Business and its associated professional certificate programs. Overseeing the alignment of business curricula with evolving industry standards, the President ensures that students gain relevant experience through active partnerships with government and corporate entities. This leadership role involves directing faculty recruitment and supporting the development of interdisciplinary research projects that span the health and life sciences. By optimizing the delivery of residential and hybrid programs, Karen Collins directly impacts the educational outcomes of the diverse student population. Furthermore, Collins facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to enhance the overall student experience and institutional efficiency. Through a commitment to academic rigor and experiential learning, the President drives the growth of the university, ensuring that the institution continues to provide significant value to students and stakeholders across the national landscape.

Jess Davis, the President at Clarkson University, leads the strategic development of the Lewis School of Health and Life Sciences. Overseeing the expansion of clinical research and health-focused academic programs, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of medical and biological innovation. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board of Trustees to secure funding for state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced research equipment. By fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery, Jess Davis directly impacts the success of students pursuing careers in the health professions. Furthermore, Davis manages the integration of health sciences with engineering and business disciplines to create unique, interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Through the promotion of high-impact research, the President strengthens the regional and national presence of the university, ensuring that graduates possess the skills necessary to address critical challenges within the modern healthcare sector.

Ruth Ejigu, the HEOP and CUPO - Co-President at Clarkson University, directs student support services and equity initiatives designed to enhance academic access. Overseeing the Higher Education Opportunity Program and the Clarkson University Opportunity Program, the Co-President ensures that students from diverse backgrounds receive the resources necessary for success in engineering, business, and the sciences. This leadership role involves managing mentorship programs and academic advising structures that support retention and graduation rates. By implementing inclusive policies, Ruth Ejigu directly impacts the campus culture and the overall student experience. Furthermore, Ejigu collaborates with faculty and administrative leaders to identify and remove barriers to academic achievement. Through the dedicated oversight of these critical support programs, the Co-President strengthens the commitment of the university to providing equitable educational opportunities, thereby ensuring that all students have the tools required to excel in their chosen professional fields.

Jayda Lundy, the Group President, Co-Founding of Theme Park Engineering at Clarkson University, architects specialized curricula that merge mechanical engineering with creative design principles. Overseeing the development of unique experiential learning modules, the Group President ensures that students gain hands-on experience in complex systems engineering and project management. This leadership role involves building partnerships with major entertainment and technology firms to provide students with real-world internship and research opportunities. By integrating technical rigor with innovative design, Jayda Lundy directly impacts the career readiness of engineering graduates. Furthermore, Lundy coordinates with the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to promote interdisciplinary collaboration on large-scale design projects. Through the creation of these specialized programs, the Group President enhances the reputation of the university as a hub for creative engineering, ensuring that students remain competitive in the global market for technical and design-oriented roles.

Brett Eichenlaub, the President at Clarkson University, oversees the implementation of advanced technology infrastructure to support hybrid and online learning initiatives. Directing the digital transformation of academic delivery, the President ensures that students have access to high-quality educational resources regardless of their physical location. This leadership role involves managing the integration of digital tools into the engineering and business curricula to enhance the learning experience. By prioritizing technological innovation, Brett Eichenlaub directly impacts the ability of the university to reach a broader student demographic. Furthermore, Eichenlaub collaborates with academic deans to ensure that online programs maintain the same level of rigor and experiential value as residential offerings. Through the strategic deployment of educational technology, the President strengthens the national reach of the university, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in providing flexible and accessible higher education solutions.

Robert Plane, the President at Clarkson University, manages the strategic partnerships between the university and external government organizations. Overseeing the alignment of research initiatives with national policy goals, the President ensures that the institution contributes effectively to public sector innovation. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty to secure research grants and collaborative projects that leverage the expertise of the Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. By fostering these high-level connections, Robert Plane directly impacts the research output and funding success of the university. Furthermore, Plane represents the institution in national forums to advocate for the importance of research-intensive education. Through the cultivation of these strategic relationships, the President enhances the influence of the university, ensuring that the work conducted on campus has a tangible impact on national policy and technological advancement.

Maira Amjad, the President at Clarkson University, directs the international outreach and global engagement strategy for the institution. Overseeing the recruitment of international students and the development of global research partnerships, the President ensures that the university maintains a diverse and globally connected academic community. This leadership role involves managing exchange programs and international collaborations that provide students with exposure to global business and engineering practices. By expanding the international footprint of the university, Maira Amjad directly impacts the cultural and academic richness of the campus. Furthermore, Amjad coordinates with the Reh School of Business to develop programs that prepare students for the complexities of the global economy. Through the promotion of international cooperation, the President strengthens the global reputation of the university, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to navigate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected professional world.

William Small, the President at Clarkson University, leads the institutional advancement and alumni relations efforts to support long-term growth. Overseeing the fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies, the President ensures that the university has the resources necessary to invest in new academic facilities and student scholarships. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with alumni and industry leaders to build a robust support network for the institution. By driving philanthropic initiatives, William Small directly impacts the ability of the university to maintain its commitment to hands-on research and experiential learning. Furthermore, Small collaborates with the Board of Trustees to ensure that development efforts align with the strategic priorities of the university. Through the successful management of advancement programs, the President secures the future of the institution, ensuring that it continues to provide exceptional value to students and the broader community for generations to come.