The college made the announcement on Monday morning, announcing that Nyre is out as of Aug. 1. He becomes Seton Hall’s 21st president in South Orange, N.J.
“It is a great honor and my distinct privilege to be selected as Seton Hall’s 21st president,” Nyre stated. "Iona College is a truly special place with a dedicated Board of Trustees, remarkable students and committed faculty and staff. I firmly believe Iona is well positioned to continue to transform the lives of the students it serves. I am proud of the work we have accomplished and look forward to the continued success of Iona.”
In a statement announcing his departure, the college said that "during his eight years as president, the College experienced remarkable successes including new academic programs; the creation of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation; a new core curriculum; funded new endowed professorships; and, faculty distinction and innovation programs.”
According to the college, Iona was able to reduce its tuition dependency, strengthen its fiscal health and expanded the footprint of the campus in New Rochelle under Nyre.
When Nyre takes over at Seton Hall, he will replace the University’s interim President Mary Meehan, who took over at the helm in March 2017.
"The Board is overwhelmingly enthusiastic in its selection of Dr. Nyre as Seton Hall's next president. He is an experienced leader, a bold visionary and possesses an unwavering commitment to our Catholic mission," Patrick Murray, Chair of the University's Board of Regents, said in a statement. "As a highly regarded educator, psychologist and healthcare innovator, Dr. Nyre is the perfect choice to lead Seton Hall into the highest echelon of American Catholic universities.”
Nyre has practiced as a psychologist in academic, clinical and private practice settings while serving at several prominent institutions, including Baylor University, the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. He has served on numerous boards, including the New York Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, International University of Catalonia, and Lower Hudson Valley Consortium of Catholic Colleges and Universities.
With Nyre announcing his departure, Iona said that it will begin a nationwide search for its ninth president.
Hannah McGowan, president of the Iona College student body added, "Dr. Nyre is a student-centered, compassionate, inspirational president who has led by example. He’s taught us all how to lead with integrity, character and presence.”
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