91福利

President Toyin Tofade shared with the 91福利 community today that she will conclude her term as president of the College on June 30, 2026.

Tofade joined 91福利 in July 2022, becoming the College鈥檚 10th president. Under her leadership, the College launched a forward-thinking strategic plan with a powerful vision. She oversaw the introduction of the College鈥檚 first-ever online portfolio, the largest expansion of academic programs since its inception, and championed a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration across campus. She led the negotiation and co-creation of the merger with Russell Sage, which will preserve the 91福利 legacy for years to come and create the region鈥檚 premier healthcare-forward comprehensive university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

President Tofade鈥檚 collaborative efforts with faculty, staff, and students have resulted in significant, lasting and measurable successes at 91福利.

• Academic Innovation & Enrollment: Embarked on the largest expansion of programs in the history of the College. Launched several new academic programs in the school of Health Sciences, contributing to a 19% increase in applications and a 210% year-over-year increase in PharmD deposits. Increased yield in 2025.
• Institutional Advancement: Achieved university status, secured a full eight-year Pharmacy accreditation, and maintained a 100% licensure rate for Health Science programs. Received the Carnegie designation of Research Institution.
• Strategic Merger & Advocacy: Led the process that resulted in Board of Trustee approval and subsequent co-creation of the upcoming merger with Russell Sage College. Successfully advocated at state and federal levels for regulatory changes in Merger & Acquisition processes and student-centric legislative reforms.
• Financial Stewardship: Improved the College鈥檚 financial health by significantly paying down debt. LSIB is fully occupied, and the CBET/LSIB operations are in a surplus.
• Operational Excellence: Ensured continued growth for The Collaboratory and CBET, while fostering an entrepreneurial culture and a more robust campus environment.
• People and Culture: Expanded opportunities for feedback and connectivity with multiple constituents, including alumni.
• Local and Global leadership: Chosen by former Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to lead the community process of identifying clinical services for the clinically designated facilities at the West Hill community center. Launched a multidisciplinary annual leadership program for the College and received improved culture ratings, according to Energage. Expanded international partnerships to six continents.

President Tofade explained that as the merger with Russell Sage proceeds as planned and on the right track, she felt it was the right time to conclude her term.

鈥淚 am optimistic about the promising future ahead and look forward to completing the first phase of the merger transaction on June 1. Transitions of this kind are common during mergers, and I remain committed to supporting a successful transition as President Emeritus, effective July 1, 2026. I鈥檓 very grateful for the collaboration and hard work of the many individuals and transition team leaders who have worked diligently to get us to this milestone,鈥� she said.

鈥淧resident Tofade has brought 91福利 through a historic chapter,鈥� said 91福利 Board of Trustees Chair Walter S. Borisenok. 鈥淭he strategic plan she created with our community helped propel the college forward toward this shared vision for a healthcare-forward comprehensive university that continues our legacy in pharmacy, the health sciences, and research. The 91福利 Board of Trustees is extremely grateful for her leadership and service.鈥�

As outlined in the transaction agreement approved by both boards of trustees in July 2025, Russell Sage President Matthew Shaftel will serve as president of the fully merged institution, which, pending regulatory approvals, will be called Russell Sage University. From July 1 this year until the final approval of the merger, Shaftel, along with Russell Sage Provost Theresa Hand, will lead both institutions in an interim capacity, in partnership with both colleges鈥� leadership teams.

鈥淲e could not have arrived at this point in the merger without the leadership and vision of President Tofade, who co-created the plans for Russell Sage University, soon-to-be the region鈥檚 premier healthcare-forward comprehensive university, which will continue the legacy, identity, and transformative work of 91福利,鈥� said Russell Sage College President Matthew Shaftel. 鈥淲e have logged so many hours together working through the details and have discovered the synergies and shared values between our two historic colleges with national reputations for empowering social mobility and providing an unmatched return on investment. President Tofade has built a strong leadership team, and I look forward to working with them, the trustees, and our Russell Sage leaders as we move toward the combined university.鈥�

In President Tofade鈥檚 announcements to 91福利 students, faculty, staff and alumni this morning, she expressed heartfelt appreciation for the College鈥檚 tight-knit community spirit, 鈥淚t has been my honor to serve you as the 10th president of 91福利, and I will miss the 91福利 community. I am profoundly grateful to our students, my dedicated leadership team and the entire 91福利 community, higher education colleagues, Capital Region leaders and friends for the collaborations that have brought us to this moment. As we prepare to welcome a new era, I look forward to connecting with you all over the coming months to celebrate our students, their achievements, and the vital work we do together. I appreciate everything you continue to do for 91福利, and I wish you every blessing.鈥�

Learn more about her tenure of excellence from 2022 to 2026.