From the State University of New York Communications office (http://www.suny.edu/communications/index.cfm):

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today nominated C. Peter Magrath to be interim president of Binghamton University. Magrath, a past president of Binghamton University from 1972 to 1974, will take office on July 1.

“We are so pleased with the return of Peter Magrath to the SUNY family,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “With vast presidential experience across the nation and right here in Binghamton, Dr. Magrath is an ideal fit to lead this superb academic institution during a period of transition and growth. I am confident that Binghamton students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community will find in Dr. Magrath a leader of great integrity, who can provide the focused direction necessary for success.”

“Dr. Magrath is the right person for the job,” said Carl T. Hayden, chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees. “His success and previous accomplishments will suit Binghamton well. I commend Chancellor Zimpher for recruiting such an impressive candidate to bring the campus into this next chapter.”

Most recently, Magrath served as interim president at West Virginia University between 2008 and 2009. Since 2006, Magrath has been senior presidential advisor at The College Board. From 1992 through 2005, he served as president of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, now the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), a voluntary association of 212 public research universities located in all 50 states.

Prior to his work at the national level, Magrath was president of the University of Missouri System (1985-1991), University of Minnesota (1974-1984), Binghamton University (1972-1974), and served as interim chancellor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1971-1972).

“The opportunity to have come full circle in my professional career is truly an honor,” said Magrath. “I know there are challenges ahead, but I approach this new endeavor with the greatest amount of faith in the students, faculty and staff of Binghamton University who are dedicated to upholding the true greatness of this institution. My intention is to provide strong leadership as it continues its move into a prosperous future of serving its region and New York.”

“SUNY and Binghamton University in particular should be excited at the prospect of Peter Magrath’s leadership during this transitional period,” said Peter McPherson, president of APLU. “Watching Peter succeed in higher education assures me that his selection will, without a doubt, put Binghamton University on the right path.”

“Peter Magrath’s knowledge of higher education and his cunning ability to make well conceived, measured decisions for the campus he leads will truly be an asset to SUNY,” said Gaston Caperton, president of The College Board. “I know that he will be a true advocate for Binghamton University.”

Magrath is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his doctorate and bachelor’s degrees, respectively, in political science. His scholarly interests include American government, higher education and international affairs.

Confirmation of the appointment, in addition to the determination and announcement of compensation, will take place at the SUNY Board of Trustees meeting in June.