Ithaca College trustees spent three days in Philadelphia tackling the future of college admissions, enrollment challenges, and long-term strategy.
The board held its winter meeting Feb. 4–6, combining official business with alumni events and in-depth discussions about the state of higher education.
Board members gathered with alumni, friends, and high school guidance counselors at Lincoln Financial Field for a public conversation about college admissions. President La Jerne Terry Cornish joined trustee Jeffrey Selingo ’95 and Angel B. Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, for the discussion.
Selingo and Perez explored how students approach the college search and how institutions must adapt to changing expectations and demographics. Attendees also toured the stadium complex, hosted by trustee David Fleisher ’91, parent ’20, president and CEO of Firstrust Financial Resources.
During a trustee reception, the college honored Fleisher for nearly two decades of board service. Leaders surprised him with the announcement of an endowed scholarship in his name that will provide need-based support to Ithaca College students. Fleisher’s term will conclude after the board’s May meeting.
Much of the meeting focused on enrollment pressures and the shifting higher education landscape.
Vice President for Enrollment Management Rock Hall reviewed the student recruitment and admissions process, along with the college’s pricing and value strategy. Marketing leaders Melissa Pittinaro and Allison Usavage discussed brand strategy and how consistent messaging supports enrollment efforts.
Shana Gore, associate vice president for enrollment operations, addressed changes to federal financial aid under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” noting challenges tied to shifts in the federal student loan program.
Trustees also took part in a session on philanthropy led by Robert Bull, president and CEO of Compass Group, which advises fundraising campaigns.
In formal business, the board awarded tenure to faculty members, promoted eight to associate professor, named two as Dana professors, and granted emerita or emeritus status to four retired faculty members.
Trustees also approved capital budget expenditures for fiscal year 2027. The funds will support facilities updates, student housing renovations, and maintenance and repair projects scheduled primarily for the summer to reduce campus disruption.
The board will reconvene in May on the Ithaca College campus.
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