Stephen Ainlay named president of Union College

Stephen Ainlay, Holy Cross vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, has been named the 18th president of Union College, Schenectady, NY.

Ainlay, a sociologist with a distinguished record as a teacher, scholar and administrator, has been a professor at Holy Cross since 1982 and a dean since 1996. Union College (www.union.edu) selected him after an extensive national search. He will succeed Roger Hull, who served 15 years before stepping down last June.

In a statement to the College community, Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of Holy Cross said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Stephen, and one that is well-deserved. We are very happy for Stephen and wish him all the best as he looks to take on this new challenge. His leaving Holy Cross will be a significant loss for us. In his ten years as dean and eight as academic vice president, he has done tremendous work enhancing the faculty, starting a number of important new programs, leading our academic planning and curriculum review, and raising the national profile of Holy Cross in the higher education community. He has also been a great friend and colleague to many of us, one who always puts the interests of the College and its students first. He will certainly be missed. Nevertheless, change is an inevitable part of the life of an institution, as it is for individuals and communities, so we will accept this one with gratitude for all that Stephen has done for us and our sincerest best wishes for his happiness and success in his new position."

Holy Cross will begin shortly to plan the search for Ainlay's successor, with Fr. McFarland first consulting the cabinet, faculty and other representatives of the community. Details on the transition and search will be announced as soon as possible.