Beginning a New Academic Year
Dear Students and Colleagues,
Welcome to the 2026–27 academic year – Utica University’s eightieth!
With the possible exception of Commencement, this is truly my favorite time of year. It’s when the campus comes back to life with activity and that wonderful sense of excitement that accompanies the arrival of every new year at Utica. It’s also wonderful to come back together, reconnect with one another after our summer travels, and reconnect with the work we do and the community we share.
Let me start by saying that we have a lot to celebrate and look forward to. As they do every year, our students will distinguish themselves in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the community, and even on the national stage. Our faculty will excel in their scholarship and, most importantly, through their teaching and mentorship of our students. And our staff will continue to demonstrate the boundless passion for the important work they do each day, helping our students flourish and grow.
Speaking of celebrations, we have a long list of special events ahead of us, from a yearlong series of 80th anniversary events to a fun-filled Homecoming Weekend, along with an exciting athletic season that will feature the debut of our new flag football team.
On a personal note, I am deeply honored to begin my first full academic year as president. Over the past eight months, it has been a great privilege to serve this institution in this role and to experience, from a new perspective, the many traditions – both formal and informal – that make this University a community like no other. We have already accomplished so much together in that brief time, and I look forward to even greater achievements in the months and years ahead.
In short, we are beginning this 80th Anniversary year with amazing energy and spirit, living our values and pursuing our mission with renewed enthusiasm as we look ahead to our centennial – now a mere twenty years away.
Welcome back, Pioneers!
Stephanie R. Nesbitt
President