Utica University Announces Leadership Transition
Dr. Todd Pfannestiel to Step Down at Year End; Board of Trustees Name Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt as University’s Next President
UTICA, N.Y. (Oct. 28, 2025) – Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, who joined Utica University in 2018 as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and became President in 2023, has submitted his resignation to the Utica University Board of Trustees effective at the end of the year. The Board of Trustees has named Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt as Utica University’s next President, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Dr. Nesbitt is the University’s current Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. Her Utica University career began in 2012 as an assistant professor. Over the years she has served as Director of the MBA and Risk Management and Insurance programs, as well as associate dean and dean of the School of Business and Justice Studies. Before joining Utica University, she spent more than 16 years in risk management and in-house counsel roles in retail and healthcare organizations.
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Nesbitt available to take on this leadership role. Her 13-year history at the University and deep dedication to the University’s mission make her the perfect choice as we move confidently forward,” says Jeremy Thurston, Chairperson of the Utica University Board of Trustees. “Dr. Nesbitt and the Board of Trustees share a commitment to the investments Utica University is making in programs with strong student interest that support regional and national workforce needs. She is a well-known and respected member of our campus, enjoying good working relationships with internal and external university stakeholders. She has the full confidence of the Board of Trustees.”
Dr. Nesbitt has agreed to serve as Utica University’s President through July 31, 2028. This will provide essential leadership stability and enable the University to begin an orderly search for its next president. That process will start in mid-2027.
Dr. Pfannestiel has played a vital role during his time at the University, most recently helping to shape a strategic academic and operational restructuring at a challenging time for U.S. higher education. He will continue to serve in his current position through December 31, 2025. The Board of Trustees appreciates Dr. Pfannestiel’s willingness to take on tough assignments with grace and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
Dr. Stephanie Nesbitt has agreed to serve as Utica University’s President through July 31, 2028.
“Utica University announced a restructuring on July 1 to strengthen the University for the future. The result of an extensive dialogue with a variety of faculty, staff, academic leaders and regional employers, this forward-looking vision is rooted in the values that define Utica University,” Thurston says. “Colleges and universities across the country face demographic and economic shifts. Utica University is acting with prudence and foresight. Dr. Nesbitt will shepherd the critical changes underway to help better align our cost structure to revenue and position Utica University to grow to a student population of 3,750.”
Thurston says the entire Utica University community working together will help shape a strong and sustainable future. Enrollment for the Fall semester was up and the University attracted transfer students in excess of its goal. The plan is designed to strengthen the University, preserving both jobs and a valuable asset for the Mohawk Valley.
“Since we announced this restructuring plan, the Trustees have received many unsolicited pledges of support and affirmation for the decision to focus on a core academic portfolio of professional, pre-professional and STEM offerings,” Thurston says. “We are committed to a practical approach that is responsive to student interests and employer needs, fueling growth for people, companies and communities. Working together we will evolve to meet the challenges before us and thrive by producing career-ready graduates.”
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