The University at Buffalo has officially started the process of finding its next president. Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr., the CEO of Delaware North and chair of the UB Council, will lead the search committee. The new leader will succeed Satish K. Tripathi, who is set to step down in July 2026 after 15 years in the role.
The search marks a significant transition for the institution, which has grown its national and international profile under Tripathi's leadership. The next president will be tasked with guiding a university that serves over 30,000 students and plays a key role in the Western New York economy.
Key Takeaways
- Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr., CEO of Delaware North, has been appointed to chair the presidential search committee for the University at Buffalo.
- The search is for a successor to President Satish K. Tripathi, who will conclude his 15-year tenure in July 2026.
- The process will involve a diverse search committee and public listening sessions to gather input from the university community.
- The Jacobs family are prominent philanthropists for UB, having donated over $50 million, including a foundational gift for the medical school.
A Leadership Transition at a Major Public University
The University at Buffalo is preparing for a change in leadership as President Satish K. Tripathi, 74, has announced his departure effective July 2026. Tripathi's 15-year term makes him the longest-serving president since UB became part of the SUNY system. He was also the first internationally born individual to hold the position.
During his tenure, Tripathi focused on expanding UB's global presence and strengthening its reputation as a premier public research university. The incoming president will inherit an institution that has become a vital economic and academic anchor for the Buffalo Niagara region.
About the University at Buffalo
As a flagship institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, UB is a major center for research and education. The university has a significant impact on the local economy and community development.
The Search Committee and Process
Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr. will oversee the search for UB's 16th president. In an email to the university community, Jacobs emphasized the importance of the task ahead.
"It is a privilege to lead this effort on behalf of our university community," Jacobs stated. He described the search as "among the most important endeavors our university undertakes over the course of this academic year."
The search committee is designed to be a representative body. It will include individuals from various stakeholder groups, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community leaders. This diverse composition aims to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered in the selection process.
Engaging the Community
A key part of the search strategy involves active community engagement. The university plans to hold a series of listening sessions later in the semester. These forums will provide an opportunity for members of the UB community to share their views on the qualities and qualifications they believe are essential for the next president.
Jacobs noted the value of this feedback in his announcement. "Your input will be invaluable as we develop the leadership profile and will provide a guidepost for the committee’s work," he said. To keep the community informed, a dedicated website will be launched to provide updates on the search timeline and progress.
University at Buffalo by the Numbers
- Student Population: 30,400
- Employees: 8,070
- Annual Budget: Approximately $1 billion
- Recent Enrollment: Welcomed its largest-ever first-year class of 5,019 undergraduate students this fall.
The Jacobs Family's Longstanding UB Partnership
The appointment of Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr. to lead the search continues a long tradition of his family's involvement with the University at Buffalo. Jacobs recently succeeded his father as the chair of the UB Council, the university's primary oversight body.
The Jacobs family's philanthropic support has been instrumental in the university's growth. They have contributed more than $50 million to UB over the years. A landmark $30 million gift in 2015 was crucial for the development of the downtown medical school.
In 2017, the university opened the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, a facility that has significantly boosted the region's healthcare and research capabilities. This project is a cornerstone of the family's legacy at the institution.
A Multi-Generational Commitment
Jeremy M. Jacobs Sr., Jeremy Jr.'s father, has a history of service to UB that spans more than four decades. He previously chaired the presidential searches in 2003 and 2011, which led to the appointments of previous UB presidents. His extensive contributions were recognized in May when he received the Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal, the highest honor awarded by the university.
The family's deep-rooted connection and financial support highlight their commitment to the university's mission and its future success. This history provides important context for the leadership role Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr. is now undertaking in the search for the next president.
Looking Toward the Future
The next president of the University at Buffalo will face the challenge of building on the progress made under President Tripathi. The university has seen growth in its student body, including its largest-ever incoming freshman class, even while navigating challenges such as a recent decline in international student enrollment.
The successful candidate will be expected to continue advancing UB's standing as a top-tier research institution, foster innovation, and maintain its strong connection to the economic revitalization of the Buffalo Niagara region. The comprehensive search process led by Jacobs is the first step in identifying that new leader.
