Friends, colleagues praise Tripathi

There’s been an outpouring of praise, support and gratitude from higher education leaders, lawmakers and UB stakeholders since President Satish K. Tripathi announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down in July 2026 as UB’s 15th president and returning to his faculty role in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Here’s a selection of some of the messages Tripathi has received via email and social media.

“Satish is one of AAU’s longest-tenured presidents, and his longevity at Buffalo speaks to his extraordinary ability to lead in one of the most difficult jobs there is — serving as president of a major research university. AAU deeply values his contributions, including as a past board member, as a leader of our project working with research institutions in India, and as a thoughtful and highly regarded presence among our membership. I’m glad the University at Buffalo will benefit from his leadership for 10 more months, and I wish him the very best as he makes plans for his future.”

Barbara Snyder, president, Association of American Universities

“I am happy to hear that Satish will remain engaged at UB in returning to his faculty role. It has been my honor to have had the privilege to be a part of the UB Foundation during his presidential tenure. 

Kathie Keller, trustee, UB Foundation Board of Directors

“Satish has had a marvelous run at UB. First as provost and then as president. His tenure built UB in so many fabulous ways. I was honored to have him choose me as his provost and proud of having worked with him at UB for seven years. UB and Buffalo have benefitted from his leadership. I certainly did.

Charles F. “Chip” Zukoski, Elio Eliakim Tarika Chair and emeritus professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and UB provost, 2012-19

"I would like to thank President Tripathi for his work as a visionary steward of the University at Buffalo. The success of UB is integral to the success of Western New York, and his contributions have left both the university and our region in a stronger position. From expanding UB’s presence in downtown Buffalo and securing UB’s place as a leader in advancing AI for the public good, to raising the university’s national profile, President Tripathi has overseen changes that will benefit students, faculty and the broader community for years to come. Congratulations to President Tripathi, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and UB as he concludes his accomplished tenure in the months ahead.”

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan

Congratulations to Dr. Tripathi on his remarkable tenure at @UBuffalo. Throughout my time in public service, he has been a steadfast partner in advancing the University at Buffalo, reaching new heights in education, research and, most recently, as a leader in AI innovation, as well as leading the charge for successful passage of SUNY 2020. As he prepares to step down in July 2026, his lasting impact on the university and our community is clear. All of Western New York is deeply grateful for his service.

Rep. Tim Kennedy

“President Tripathi has been a tireless advocate for building and strengthening UB’s Global Alumni Network. He understood that our alumni are not just graduates, but lifelong partners in advancing the university’s mission. His support and encouragement fostered a vibrant, engaged alumni community — one that is stronger, more connected and more impactful today because of his leadership. On behalf of the UB Alumni Association, I thank him for his vision and commitment to alumni engagement

Eileen Marutiak, BA ’06, president, UB Alumni Association

“Alongside our entire UB community, I’m indebted to President Tripathi for his legacy of leadership. He guided our university through a transformative era — strengthening our research enterprise, expanding our global reach and ensuring that students, faculty, alumni and the broader community could thrive together. His steadfast support and deep commitment to our worldwide alumni network have strengthened the bonds that unite UB’s global community and amplify the university’s impact across borders. His vision and steady hand have elevated UB into a flagship institution of national and international distinction. His legacy is not only what UB has become under his leadership, but the confidence with which the university will pursue its future. On behalf of our global alumni network, I’m deeply grateful for his service and excited to help carry that momentum forward.

Joseph Stefko, PhD ’03, MA ’99, BA ’97, UB Alumni Association immediate past president