Ithaca College Detailed Report
Ithaca College, located at 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, is a prominent coeducational residential institution fostering a vibrant academic and student life experience. This report consolidates the profiles of the college's leadership team with an overview of its competitive landscape to present a comprehensive picture.
President's Cabinet and Leadership Team
Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish: As the Office of the President's leader, Dr. Cornish situates on the third floor of the Peggy Ryan Williams Center. For inquiries, she can be reached at (607) 274-3111 or via president@ithaca.edu.
Melanie Stein serves as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, providing strategic leadership in academic policies since her permanent appointment on March 23, 2022, after serving as interim since August 2021. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/office-president/team/melanie-stein)
Stanley Bazile began his role on June 10, 2024, as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life, transitioning from St. Francis College. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/news/ithaca-college-names-stanley-bazile-vice-president-student-affairs-and-campus-life)
Tim Downs, the Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for overseeing 300 staff members, aiding in financial strategy formation. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/office-president/team/tim-downs)
Mark Eyerly became the inaugural Vice President for Marketing and Communications on July 1, 2023, focusing on institutional advancement through effective communication strategies. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/staff/meyerly)
Laine Norton, as Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement, leads philanthropic strategies and alumni relations efforts. [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laine-norton-87489730)
Rakin "Rock" Hall was appointed Vice President for Enrollment Management on January 2, 2024, bringing expertise from Arcadia University. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/office-president/team/rakin-rock-hall)
Emily Rockett serves as the Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees since August 2022, providing legal insights and board governance. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/office-president/team/emily-rockett)
Dave Weil, Vice President and Chief Information and Analytics Officer, spearheads digital transformation in educational information technology. [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweil)
Susan Bassett, the Associate Vice President and Director for Intercollegiate Athletics and Campus Recreation, has announced plans for retirement, ensuring a smooth leadership transition. [Profile](https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/2025-02-07-susan-bassett-79-announces-planned-retirement-director-athletics)
Kirra Franzese, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, has enhanced HR functions since her promotion in August 2018. [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirra-franzese-6a390a14)
Paula Younger has been strengthening governmental and community partnerships as Executive Director for Government, Community, and Constituent Relations since January 2018. [Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-younger-41300124)
Competitor Analysis
Peer Institutions
Ithaca College stands competitively alongside prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Peer competitors are primarily determined through geographic and academic benchmarking with institutions like Utica College, Hamilton College, and Skidmore College.
- Utica University: Known for its diverse population and comprehensive programs in arts, sciences, and business in Utica, NY.
- Hamilton College: Located in Clinton, NY, it offers a rigorous liberal arts education with an open curriculum and small classes.
- Skidmore College: Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies and creative thought in liberal arts.
Competitive Insights
Ithaca College stands out due to:
- A vibrant educational hub near cultural and economic centers like NYC and Boston.
- A strategic approach using multiple peer lists for maintaining competitiveness.
- Offering a more intimate campus environment that promotes personalized student-teacher interactions, in contrast to larger institutions like Boston University and Syracuse University.
Strategic Recommendations for Competitive Edge
1. Maximize Geographic Advantage: Leverage Ithaca's natural beauty and cultural amenities to attract students.
2. Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Explore joint initiatives with regional peers such as Cornell University.
3. Enhance Personalized Educational Experience: Focus on strengthening student-faculty relationships, distinguishing Ithaca further in a competitive market.
By implementing these strategies, Ithaca College can maintain and potentially enhance its status as a leading educational institution, known for fostering a dynamic and personalized academic environment.
