President Philip announces retirement from UAlbany

University at Albany President George Philip announced on Friday, Nov. 18 that he would step down as university president once a replacement for him is found.

Philip has served as the 18th president of the university since 2009, leaving behind his job as the head of the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS), and served as interim president from 2007-2009 and chairman of the University Council from 1996-2007.

A long time member of the university community, Philip graduated from UAlbany in 1969 with a B.A. in history and got his masters at UAlbany in 1973.

He also received a Juris Doctorate from Western New England Law School in Springfield, Mass.

"As an alumnus and long-time UAlbany advocate, nothing has been more personally rewarding and gratifying than to serve my alma mater," Philip wrote in an email.

According to Philip, he expects a new president at UAlbany by the 2012-13 academic year with a national search starting immediately and implemented by the State University of New York Board of Trustees.

Before Philip, the school did not have a permanent president for three years and he was brought out of retirement due to a failed search for a new president. He was named permanent president after an exhaustive, expensive search outside the school.

"It is now time for me to resume my retirement plans," Philip wrote in an email. "Therefore, I have informed Chancellor Zimpher I will serve as president until a search is completed and the State University of New York Board of Trustees appoints a new president."

In the email, Philip discusses his role in helping the NYSUNY 2020 bill, a bill which allows for SUNY schools to implement rational tuition plans as well as his oversight of a large increase in the university's overall endowment.

During his time as president, the university's world-renowned RNA institute and College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering saw large increases in funds, given $450 million for research, as well as scientific works.

"George Philip is truly one of the University at Albany's all-time champions. His leadership, dedication and unparalleled commitment to its students, faculty and staff have advanced the university's reputation and helped to fulfill SUNY's mission of excellence," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.

However, Philip's reign has not been without its blemishes: Last year his administration was forced to cut several languages and theater as majors due to cutbacks in funding from the state, leading to vast protests and anger from the student body and their families.

Even more notably was last spring's Kegs and Eggs debacle that ended in thousands of dollars in damage to the city and the cancellation of UAlbany's springtime festival, Fountain Day.

Philip said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and keeping in touch with friends and the UAlbany community. He is confident in a bright future for the university with continual growth and research.

"It has been a privilege to work with a remarkable group of faculty, students and staff," he said in the email. "Together we have accomplished a number of historic milestones."