Dear Wagner College Community,
Yesterday the Board of Trustees announced their acceptance of President Joel Martin’s resignation and appointed me as interim president.
Wagner, like the rest of the world, has been in a state of change and transition since the beginning of the pandemic. Joel guided us through one of the greatest challenges of our lifetime and provided keen leadership during a defining period of the college’s history. I am grateful that Joel has agreed to serve as an adviser for the remainder of this semester, ensuring a smooth transition for the college.
Joel and Jan have been integral members of our community since they arrived on Staten Island. They have our best wishes and full support in every future endeavor.
Today classes resume following our fall break — a short break that we skipped last year as part of our safe return to campus. These milestones remind me once again of the strength, creativity, and incredible resilience of our entire community. I accepted the responsibility of interim president because I believe in the people of Wagner College: those on campus now, our partners in the local community, and our alumni family of more than 20,000 generous supporters.
I have had the great fortune of working for three Wagner College presidents who have each made a lasting impact. I have also been privileged to work alongside an experienced and talented leadership team who will continue to provide me both guidance and direction moving forward. Most importantly, I have learned so much from our incredible faculty, staff, and students.
I will meet with the faculty at their regularly scheduled meeting next Tuesday, October 19, at 4:15 p.m. We will hold an additional all-campus meeting for employees on Wednesday, October 20, at 12:00 p.m. in Spiro 2, and I’m looking forward to the SGA Student Town Hall on October 27. We have all been focused on the college’s growth and that work continues. While a change in the presidency is significant, the true power of Wagner College has always been its people. Wagner remains strong because of you.
The Board of Trustees put their faith in me to lead us through this next chapter. I am inspired by their confidence, honored by their support, and humbled by the tremendous responsibility that comes with the presidency. I have witnessed our collective strength firsthand over the past two decades, so I know that there is no challenge too great for us. It is my honor to serve you, and I promise my very best.
Angelo G. Araimo
Interim President
