Utica University president shares career update in letter to school community

Steve Howe, Observer-Dispatch
·2 min read
Laura Casamento, president of the University, delivers an opening and welcome speech during the 73rd Utica University undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Laura Casamento, president of the University, delivers an opening and welcome speech during the 73rd Utica University undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica on Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Utica University President Laura Casamento announced Monday she will retire at the end of the current academic year in 2023, after seven years at the helm.

Casamento, a Utica native and the university’s first female president, took the top position in 2016. She previously served as executive vice president and chief advancement officer at then-Utica College.

In a letter, Casamento described losses and health-related challenges in her family that accelerated the timeline for her retirement decision. The average term for a college president is six to eight years and the timing felt right, she said.

“As I looked seriously and honestly at my future and what lies ahead for the University over the next three to four years, I knew in my heart that I was not going to be here as president beyond the current Strategic Plan, which we are well on our way toward implementing,” Casamento said.

Casamento said she shared a transition plan with the university’s board of trustees and board chair Robert Brvenik is expected to announce next steps in the presidential search in the coming days.

A lifelong Mohawk Valley resident, Casamento was one of three finalists for Utica College’s top job in 2016 following an 11-month search. She was announced as president in February 2016 and started at the post in August.

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Tina Russell / Observer-Dispatch The presidential medallion is placed around the neck of Laura Casamento by Mark Pilipczuk, Utica College Board of Trustees Chairman, during her inauguration of becoming Utica College's new President at the Gaetano Stadium at Utica College Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.
Tina Russell / Observer-Dispatch The presidential medallion is placed around the neck of Laura Casamento by Mark Pilipczuk, Utica College Board of Trustees Chairman, during her inauguration of becoming Utica College's new President at the Gaetano Stadium at Utica College Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.

During Casamento’s tenure, the university received its largest bequest, a $2.3 million gift from the Lotis B. Howland trust. A $2.8 million endowment, announced in 2020, founded the Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare.

Casamento co-chaired the local planning committee of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative with Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.

“I thank you all for your support of me and each other and for your partnership in the important work of preparing our students for successful lives and preparing this institution for an even more remarkable next seventy-five years,” Casamento said. “I look forward to a successful year as we continue to move Utica University forward, together.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Utica University President Laura Casamento announces retirement