Dr. Richard Guarasci, President

Dr. Richard Guarasci has served for the past ten years as the 18th President of Wagner College, where he was previously the Provost and Senior Vice President for five years. He holds the rank of Professor of Political Science, and he teaches in the areas of democracy, citizenship, and American diversity. Dr. Guarasci was Dean of the College and Professor of Political Science at Hobart College from 1992-1997. Previously, he served as Dean and founding Director of the First Year Program at St. Lawrence University. Dr. Guarasci holds a Bachelor of Science from Fordham University. He received a master’s in Economics and a doctorate in Political Science from Indiana University.

Angelo G. Araimo, Vice President for Enrollment and Planning   

Angelo Araimo joined Wagner in 1994 and oversees the offices of admissions, financial aid, athletics, external programs, and institutional research. He also oversees all of the College’s enrollment and retention efforts. Since 2005, Mr. Araimo has worked closely with the Board of Trustees while directing the institutional strategic plan. Under his leadership, enrollment has grown by 50%, and the residential population of the College has doubled. Previously, he held the position of Director of Admissions at St. Joseph’s College in New York, where he worked for five years. Mr. Araimo also taught History at both St. Joseph’s College and St. John’s University from 1986-1994. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History from St. John’s University. He has also completed all coursework towards a Doctorate in Global History from St. John’s.

David J. Martin, Esq., Vice President of Administration

David J. Martin is responsible for all administrative functions on campus; including public safety, emergency planning and recovery, building and grounds, custodial services, copy center, facilities, dining services, the bookstore, postal center, government affairs, and the central plant. He previously served as the Chief of Staff to the college president, and he still serves as the Secretary to the Board of Trustees. He has been teaching as an adjunct professor since 2001. He received his B.S. degree from James Madison University and his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University. Prior to joining Wagner he was a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard. He is a Captain in the United States Coast Guard Reserve, currently assigned in Washington, D.C. He left active service of the Coast Guard in June 2003 when he accepted the position at Wagner College.

Dr. Lily D. McNair, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Lily D. McNair became the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Wagner College on July 1, 2011. Before coming to Wagner, Dr. McNair served as the Associate Provost of Research and Professor of Psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She also served as a Professor of Psychology on the faculties of the University of Georgia and SUNY New Paltz, as well as a Clinical Psychologist at Vassar College. Dr. McNair received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Princeton University, and her doctorate in Psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

William E. Mea, Vice President for Finance & Business

William E. Mea joined Wagner College as the Vice President for Finance & Business in May 2011. Prior to joining Wagner, Mr. Mea held the position of Vice President for Finance & Administration at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for six years. Prior to his work at The University of the Arts, he worked at Philadelphia University for 11 years, first as Controller and then as Assistant Vice President for Business & Finance. Before that, Mr. Mea had a 10-year career at the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Mea received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an accounting concentration from Widener University, and his Master of Business Administration with a finance concentration from Philadelphia University.

Joseph Romano, Chief of Staff, Vice President for Communications

A member of Wagner’s senior staff since 2006, Joseph Romano oversees the College’s communications, marketing and human resources departments, and often works with President Guarasci on special projects. Before returning home to New York City, he served 15 years at Sewanee: The University of the South, in Tennessee, where he was executive director for communications. Prior to that he held similar positions at the University of Vermont, and at Lyndon State College of Vermont. Before entering college communications, he worked both as a newspaper reporter, and in broadcast radio. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Lyndon State College.

Ruta Shah-Gordon, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Internationalization

Ms. Shah-Gordon oversees Residential Education, Co-Curricular Programs, the Wellness Center, Academic Advising, Career Development, Leadership Development, student conduct, and the Center for Intercultural Advancement. She serves as the co-chair for both the Internationalization Action Council and the Diversity Action Council and is responsible for furthering the strategic blueprints for the College around these areas. As Assistant Vice-President, she leads the connection of students’ academic and co-curricular experiences, creating the opportunity to learn more about themselves as civically engaged, psycho-socially adapted, and interculturally competent citizens of the world. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Psychology from Colgate University.

Frank Young, Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Frank Young came to Wagner as Director of Major Gifts in 2005. Before that, he served in the development offices of Collegiate School, Wagner College (the first time), Phillips Exeter Academy and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Frank’s first career was as a teacher of English at Geneva High School in Geneva, NY. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hobart College.