Russell Sage College names Matthew Shaftel as new president

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Russell Sage College has named Dr. Matthew Shaftel as the institution's 11th president. He is scheduled to assume his new role on July 1.

Shaftel comes to the area after previously serving as dean and professor at Ohio University's College of Fine Arts. His appointment will coincide with the retirement of the incumbent President Christopher Ames, who led the school for seven years.

"Dr. Shaftel has had a dynamic career in higher education, focused on student success, fundraising, and enrollment growth," said Russell Sage Board of Trustees Chair Caroline DeCota. "Russell Sage has experienced a profound transformation under Dr. Ames, and as our institution prepares to create its new strategic plan, we believe Dr. Shaftel’s energy, passion, and experience are the perfect mix to take the college into the next chapter."

Acclaimed for his excellence in teaching, Shaftel earned his doctorate in Music Theory, Master of Philosophy in Music Theory, and Bachelor of Arts in Music from Yale University. He will be joined by his wife Dr. Jen Murphy, executive director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business undergraduate division.

“Russell Sage exemplifies the very ideals of higher education through its Be, Know, Do philosophy, century-long success in blending liberal and professional studies, and tight-knit community of world-class faculty and staff," Shaftel said. "Jen and I are so energized by the opportunity to engage both within and beyond the Russell Sage College community and to connect the work of the college to the Capital Region. The president is the high tide that raises all ships, and I look forward to bringing my history of authenticity, transparency, and vision to a community that already knows how to work together towards a brighter future."