CSI officially names Dr. William J. Fritz as school president

Good things come to those who wait. After two years, on May 6, the Board of Trustees of The City University of New York (CUNY) removed the interim tag from Dr. William Fritz’s title and was official announced President of the College of Staten Island (CSI).

“My focus as president of the College of Staten Island centers on helping our students fulfill their creative, aesthetic, and educational aspirations through competitive and rigorous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs,” said Fritz, 61, in a statement. “A central part of our mission involves embracing the strength of the College’s diversity, fostering civic mindedness among our students, and nurturing responsible citizens for our city, state, nation, and the world.”

The CUNY school has thrived under the leadership of Fritz, who received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Walla Walla College and doctorate at the University of Montana. During his tenure, CSI was named one of America’s Best Colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report.

In addition to becoming Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at CSI in 2008, Fritz penned two textbooks and was a Geology professor. He also started “Campaign for CSI: For College and Community” a $20 million project designed to raise funds for the school, including faculty and student support.

Board of Trustees Chairperson Benno Schmidt expressed his excitement in making Fritz’s title official. “Dr. William J. Fritz is an outstanding administrator, prominent scholar and researcher with an impressive track record of collaboration with faculty and a commitment to student success,” he said in a statement. “He has demonstrated exemplary leadership at the College of Staten Island.”

Interim Chancellor William P. Kelly echoed those sentiments. “In the two years that Dr. Fritz has served as interim president of CSI, he has set a bright course for the future. Among many other achievements, he has established a School of Business, School of Education, and a School of Health Sciences. Under his leadership, CSI has opened its first residence halls, has made significant progress with its advancement efforts, and has played a leading role in statewide initiatives such as CUNY 2020 and Start Up NY.”

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