Release

Interim President Ryan is New Co-Leader at Business-Higher Education Roundtable

Contact: Lisa James Goldsberry (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 12, 2004) - Continuing the University at Albany's commitment to the Business-Higher Education Roundtable of the Capital Region, Interim President John R. Ryan has agreed to serve as co-convener for higher education. The Roundtable was co-founded by former UAlbany President Karen Hitchcock, who has assumed the top post at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and by Michael D. Marvin, now chairman emeritus of MapInfo Corp. Marvin continues to serve as the co-convener for business.

"John's clear interest in the region as well as his leadership and commitment are assets in moving the Roundtable forward," Marvin said, "and we greatly appreciate his contributions despite the demands of two presidencies. We are pleased to have someone of his caliber in this role." Ryan is a retired Vice Admiral of the U.S. Navy and served as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis from 1998 to 2002. He is president of SUNY Maritime College, and the State University of New York Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name him interim president of the University at Albany in February 2004.

Ryan said he was delighted to learn about the Business Higher Education Roundtable when he came to the Capital Region, having been involved with a smaller group in Annapolis. "I believe a close partnership between business and higher education, along with government, can pave the way for regional development. Roundtable initiatives are helping to improve the climate for growth in this region."

The Roundtable is an alliance of 14 colleges and universities and several major businesses in a four-county area working to support the region's economic growth and quality of life. Formed in late 2000, the group places a special emphasis on the role of higher education working with business. Activities include a series of regional leadership forums on building the right environment for high-tech and overall economic growth; an exploratory regional initiative to attract and retain students and young talent; and planning related to the region's health care, information, and transportation infrastructure.

The concentration of vibrant and diverse colleges and universities in the Capital Region, the heart of Tech Valley, is a comparative advantage that members seek to tap. The immediate four-county area hosts 16 public and private, not-for-profit colleges and universities with more than 60,000 students registered in 2003.