Heralds ‘important moment’ for higher education with introductory speech, asks Wagner to welcome change, dream, explore
By Claire Regan ’80
Pledging to seize the opportunity as Wagner’s 21st president to ensure the college’s long-term success, strengthen it as an anchor in the community and create the next wave of discoverers and leaders, Dr. Jeffrey A. Doggett was formally welcomed to campus during an introductory presentation Thursday afternoon in Spiro Hall.
“Thank you, Angelo, for your leadership and your dedication to this great institution that I get to call home now,” Doggett began with emotion as he looked at his wife and two children seated in the front row and acknowledged current President Araimo, who is retiring on June 30 after three decades of service to Wagner. “And for setting this course for me.”
The president-elect praised Araimo as a “selfless partner” who is facilitating a smooth transition between presidencies. He also acknowledged former Presidents Norman Smith and Richard Guarasci for reaching out after his selection.
Doggett joins Wagner from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he currently serves as executive vice president, chief financial officer and chancellor of learning and student success.
During an address in a lecture hall filled with faculty, administrators, staff, students and his immediate family, Doggett repeatedly referred to Wagner as a “caring community with a warm and collegial culture.”
He thanked the Board of Trustees, with whom he met virtually earlier in the day, the presidential search committee led by Thomas Kendris, Esq. ’78, and the entire campus community for their patience during the five-month selection process.
“The partnership between a president and a board is critical to the success of any institution, and I’m so happy to be joining a group of dedicated and caring leaders,” Doggett emphasized.
The president-elect revealed his sense of humor and eagerness to engage with an audience of future colleagues in welcome moments of levity that punctuated his remarks.
Opening his remarks after rousing introductions, Doggett said, “I don’t know who you all have been talking about.”
He later added with a smile, eliciting laughter: “I want to thank everybody here today who’s written, sent notes and comments, and already given their opinions on the job that I will do, or that I’ve already done.”
He quickly transitioned to one of his first plans as president.
“I ask all of you to come and join a series of listening meetings we will have over the summer where I’ll get to learn more about this great community,” he said.
In what he called “the real part of his speech,” Doggett outlined his mission as president by recalling a recent forum he attended, titled: “Who Wants the Job Anyway? A Fresh Look at Presidential Challenges.”
He cited declining enrollments, demographic shifts, inflationary costs, a student mental health epidemic and questions about the value of a college degree.
“Why would anyone want to be a college president?” he asked. “Why would anyone want to work in higher education at all?
“The answer for me is simple: It’s important,” he said, describing how college communities collaborate and support each other. “It is important that we continue to have a system that prepares people for a life of professional and personal success.”
Colleges, Doggett said with conviction, push the boundaries of knowledge, serve as anchors in their communities, create the next discovery, develop the next workforce, prepare the next generation of leaders and advance the arts.
“I do not subscribe to the idea that everyone needs a college degree to be successful,” he continued. “But for those who want a college degree and a college experience, there must be a place like Wagner for them to experience and learn and achieve.”
The president-elect drew the parallel between the “village” that helped him achieve this appointment and the “village” that will be required to make change.
“Together — not just you, and not just me — we will do this,” he said. “It is too important to let the moment pass us by.”
He urged the audience “to dream, to explore, to try new things” that will strengthen Wagner’s sustainability.
“Let us harness the greatest strengths of this institution,” he concluded, pointing to the faculty, the campus culture, the Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts, and an unwavering desire to make a difference for students.
The livestreamed program included a warm introduction by President Araimo, who shared that he first met Doggett about six years ago during a Northeast Conference site visit to Merrimack College. Araimo, Wagner’s No. 20 president after a long Wagner career in admissions enrollment and giving, presented his successor with a Wagner shirt emblazoned with “21.”
Lisa DeRespino Bennett ’85 offered greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Mark Harmon-Vaught delivered remarks from Search Committee Chair Kendris.
At a reception that followed across campus in the Faculty Dining Room, guests mingled with the president-elect and his wife, Kristen, while their two young children, Lincoln and Margot, munched on chocolate chip cookies.
Robert Scamardella, Esq., who has served as president of the DaVinci Society since 2019, said he felt “heartened” by Doggett’s comments “about the importance of Staten Island community involvement.”
Dr. John Esser, a sociology professor marking his 30th year at Wagner, said he felt that “Wagner needs someone with vision and an eye on financial fundamentals.
Added Esser: “I heard both.”
Darren Greco ’98, an adjunct professor of sociology and vice president of the Wagner Alumni Board, praised Doggett’s strong leadership skills and emphasis on transparency.
Walt Hameline, vice president for intercollegiate athletics who has served under six Wagner presidents, said he appreciates Doggett’s experience in building enrollment.
Wagner’s vice president for enrollment and campus life, Ruta Shah-Gordon, looks forward to working with the incoming president.
“He’s somebody who will create change in a way that’s inclusive,” she said.
