Wagner to step down as Senior VP
Longtime administrator to continue part time as senior counselor to the president

By SUE WUETCHER
Reporter Editor

After 35 years of distinguished service to UB—including more than 21 years as vice president and senior vice president—Robert J. Wagner will step down as senior vice president, effective July 1.

Wagner will continue to serve UB on a part-time basis as senior counselor to President William R. Greiner.

"I think I'm ready," said Wagner, noting that he and his wife, Judith, have given the idea a lot of thought. "I have the incredible luxury of being able to leave on my own time, with no unhappiness or regrets."

He noted that he has been a member of the UB community since he started his studies here at a freshman in 1962. "You just don't leave after 40 years," he said. "I'm appreciative of Bill letting me continue part time—it will make a big difference in making this transition."

Wagner said he expects to spend his newfound leisure time in a variety of pursuits, including boating, volunteer work at his church, traveling and visiting with his children.

"I just want to take it as it comes," he said.

In a memo to the university community announcing Wagner's retirement, Greiner described the senior vice president as "the epitome of all that is good in academic administration."

"Dedicated to the highest ideals of the academy, he has brought them to bear on everything from the most profound and difficult issues to the mundane but essential details of campus life," Greiner said

"He truly has been UB's senior vice president and vice president for university services, but most of all, he has been, is and will be this university's most dedicated servant. All who have worked with him have been privileged to do so. I in particular have been specially privileged to serve with him and call him both colleague and friend," he said.

Wagner has spent his entire professional career at UB. After earning a bachelor's degree in business administration from UB in 1966, he was named assistant provost for the former Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He held numerous other administrative positions at the university, including assistant vice president for academic affairs, deputy vice president and vice president for academic services. He was appointed vice president for university services—and UB's chief financial officer—in 1985. He was named senior vice president in 1991.

In his role as senior vice president, Wagner oversees University Facilities, University Business Services, Government Relations and University Communications, as well as Computing and Information Technology and the University Libraries, in conjunction with the provost. His office also provides administrative support to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Administration, Internal Audit and Athletics, all of which report directly to the President.

He has administrative oversight for the UB Foundation on investment, finances, audits and property.

Wagner's efforts have resulted in more efficient business systems and greater fiscal independence for UB within SUNY.

His contributions extend beyond UB. He has served as president of the SUNY Business Officers Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers. He has held statewide leadership positions with the United Way, serving as chair of the board of directors of the United Way of New York State from 1994-98, and as co-chair from 1992-94.

Wagner is a graduate of the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management, and serves as an adjunct lecturer in the UB Graduate School of Education, where he works with University Professor D. Bruce Johnstone to offer a course on financing higher education.

He is the recipient of a Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, the National Conference of Christians and Jews' Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award and the United Way of New York State's Leadership in Public Service Award.

(For the full text of Greiner's memo, see "Message from the President".)