“Known for his generosity and passion for empowering students of all backgrounds, Bassam’s forward-thinking vision has made Ģ����ý a true opportunity college for the greater Buffalo community,” said Sean M. Willett, board chair, Ģ����ý. “We are certainly going to miss Bassam’s leadership, and the board remains focused on finding the right successor to tackle the continuing challenges facing higher education and to lead Ģ����ý forward for future career-minded generations.”

Dr. Deeb has served as Ģ����ý’s sixth president since 2012. During his tenure, Dr. Deeb expanded Ģ����ý’s footprint in Western New York and made it a leader in career-oriented higher education within the region, offering academic and workforce development programs in healthcare, veterinary sciences, and business.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the past 14 years in terms of strategic growth of both the institution and our support for students in their pursuit of careers of achievement and lives of purpose,” said Dr. Deeb, “However, it’s time for the next chapter – both for the college and for me personally. There’s still more work to be done and it will remain business as usual at Ģ����ý throughout the search.”

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, a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, today announced the appointment of Dr. Christine Ryan, dean of student success, to the institution’s leadership council. In this new role, Dr. Ryan will help shape institutional policy, guide strategic planning, and strengthen the alignment between the academic, student, and administrative divisions.

“Christine’s passion and commitment to student success is a valuable attribute she will bring to her well-deserved appointment as a member of our leadership team,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “She will be an important advocate for our students as Ģ����ý strives to be more student-centric and collaborative among our disciplines.”

With more than 25 years in higher education management, Dr. Ryan currently serves as Ģ����ý’s dean of student success overseeing student-centric wellness and student life programs that enhance student engagement, retention, and completion.

“I’m honored to join the leadership council and continue advancing our shared vision for student success,” said Ryan. “This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate on strategies that elevate our institution and empower every student to thrive.”

Dr. Ryan earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from University at Buffalo, a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Buffalo State University, and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from West Virginia University.

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Ģ����ý announced the appointment of Michael Konopski to dean of enrollment management.

“As Ģ����ý focuses on enhancing our student recruitment efforts, Mike’s experience in growing enrollment will be integral to developing both near and long-term strategic enrollment plans for the college,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “He has more than 20 years working in the Western New York higher education space and understands the needs and challenges of our community when it comes to meeting enrollment goals.”

Konopski brings nearly 40 years in higher education enrollment management to his new role with Ģ����ý, having held enrollment leadership positions at Niagara University, D’Youville University, Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, Shepherd University in West Virginia, and Georgetown College in Kentucky. Konopski most recently served as vice president of enrollment management at Transylvania University in Kentucky.

Konopski has served as past president of both the Kentucky Association of Secondary and College Admission Counselors and the National Catholic College Admission Association. He earned a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY Buffalo State University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Geneseo.

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Today, Ģ����ý announced the promotion of Jennifer Blickwedehl, Ph.D. to chief academic affairs officer. She takes on the role from Richard Linn, Ph.D., who recently retired.
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“Congratulations to Jenn on this well-deserved promotion,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “As the Ģ����ý team strives to create a more holistic and integrated approach to academic life, Jenn’s experience will be instrumental in encouraging partnerships between programs and support offerings to set our students on the right path for both academic and career success.”
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As chief academic affairs officer, Dr. Blickwedehl leads all academic matters at the college, shaping the institution’s academic vision while fostering collaboration and a more unified approach for student success. The academic affairs area integrates academic programs, student learning support services, and registrar functions. Dr. Blickwedehl joined Ģ����ý in 2010 as an adjunct instructor, progressing to professor and associate dean of curriculum and instruction and program director of general studies. She most recently served as Ģ����ý’s associate vice president of academic affairs, and program director of general studies, biology, management, and healthcare management. Dr. Blickwedehl earned her Ph.D. in immunology and microbiology from University at Buffalo and her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Westminster College. A resident of West Seneca, Dr. Blickwedehl serves on the advisory board for West Seneca Central Schools Academy of Life Science.��

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Today Ģ����ý announced it has named Melissa Masters Brinson to the newly created role of chief external affairs officer.

In this position, Brinson will oversee the college’s external affairs team, including marketing communications, institutional advancement, grants, and workforce development, to strengthen partnerships and advance college initiatives that drive community and workforce engagement.

“Melissa’s diverse mix of extensive private and public sector experience combined with her knowledge of the community will help us explore new opportunities and strengthen relationships while remaining committed to Ģ����ý’s focus on providing the right academic pathways to address the evolving needs of our local workforce,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý.

Brinson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in business strategy and communications, including fostering relationships that support organizational growth. She most recently was vice president, business development leader at CannonDesign, and previously held positions with Millington Lockwood and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Earlier in her career, she served as chief of staff to the Erie County Comptroller and as town clerk with the Town of Tonawanda.

Added Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý, “In addition, Melissa also brings significant education-related knowledge to her new role, having served more than 14 years as a governor-appointed member of the Buffalo State University’s board of trustees and as president of the Kenmore Tonawanda Union Free School District for six years.” 

Brinson currently serves as president of NAIOP, Upstate New York Chapter, as vice president on the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust board of trustees, and chair of the Western New York Heritage Press board of directors. In addition, she serves on the board of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club and on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce economic development and public policy council. Brinson earned her M.B.A and bachelor’s degree from University at Buffalo. She resides in Buffalo.

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Limited opportunity for first-time nursing students to lock in the current tuition rate

Today Ģ����ý announced it is offering a tuition freeze for students starting their associate degree in registered nursing this fall.

Students who commit to the RN program starting fall 2025 as a first-time freshman (either part-time or full-time) will have their tuition rate frozen* while they remain enrolled at Ģ����ý and complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Upon earning an RN degree, students will automatically be accepted into the bachelor’s degree program and receive the locked-in tuition rate they have been previously paying. This is a limited-time opportunity, with applications due by July 15, 2025, for the fall 2025 semester. 

“As the high demand for qualified nurses continues to rise, this ensures tuition stability for students who are dedicated to receiving a four-year nursing degree,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Further, this program offers students the flexibility to work as an RN while they continue their education to complete their bachelor’s degree.” 

For more details on the tuition freeze opportunity and Ģ����ý’s nursing application, visit Ģ����ý.edu/TuitionFreeze.

*This freeze applies to tuition only and does not��apply to any College or miscellaneous fees (late fees, clinical fees, lab fees, etc.).

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New role fulfills the College’s commitment to financial education and mission

Today Ģ����ý announced the appointment of Jerry Inglet to program director for workforce development, financial health and education. In this new role, Inglet will oversee financial health and education initiatives within the college’s workforce development arm, effective March 31.

“Ģ����ý is excited to announce Jerry’s appointment to our workforce development team. In this new position, he will not only provide financial education to Ģ����ý’s students but will also establish partnerships with local marriage and family therapists, registered investment advisors, financial planners, broker-dealers, wealth managers, community banks, accountants and divorce attorneys,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Through these collaborations, Jerry will help develop and offer financial therapy, financial education for college planning, and family governance for business owners.”

With more than 25 years of experience in finance and more than 10 years in higher education, Inglet most recently served as a senior family legacy advisor for Wilmington Trust, where he provided financial education, financial therapy, family governance support, and guidance on the financial aspects of the college planning process for families. He is a Certified Financial Therapist and Accredited Financial Counselor.

“I hope to help as many people in WNY as possible to think more critically, feel more confident, and behave more intentionally with money,” said Inglet. “Ģ����ý has a strong commitment to training students for careers in healthcare, and financial health aligns closely with the college’s current goals and offerings in the healthcare space.”

Inglet earned a doctorate in educational leadership from D’Youville University, two master’s degrees from University at Buffalo in school counseling and urban policy, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Xavier University.

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New position serves as college’s second ranking officer

Konesco will work closely with Dr. Deeb in pursuing and addressing key strategic efforts to ensure long term sustainability for the college. In his role, Konesco will administer the functions of workforce development, grants, business development for credit and non-credit offerings in collaboration with academic leadership and enrollment and enhance external community partnerships. In addition, Konesco will work in collaboration with members of the President’s Council to provide primary administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for all activities of the college in addition to acting for the president in his absence as the college’s second ranking officer.
 
“As an education enthusiast, I am excited to take on this new challenge and new role at Ģ����ý during this critical point in higher education,” said Jason Konesco. “I plan to be proactive, while remaining adaptable and flexible in making critical decisions that align with the strategic plan of this fine institution. Additionally, I am thrilled to be moving back to my hometown from Indianapolis to be among family and friends while I pursue my personal and professional goals.”
 
With more than 25 years of experience in education, Konesco most recently served as president, investor and board member of Perceivant, Inc., an interactive and educational software company that changes the way college students learn and instructors teach. He is also the former CEO and co-founder of ClearScholar, Inc. which was acquired by Civitas Learning in 2018. Prior to these leadership roles in educational technology companies, Konesco spent nearly 17 years in higher education as an administrator at Harrison College, including serving as president and CEO of this Indiana-based institution.
 
Konesco earned an MBA in finance from Butler University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame. He currently sits on two university boards – the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe.

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“Ģ����ý is excited to welcome Dr. Losito as our new dean of nursing. She is an accomplished nursing executive who brings experience and a collaborative nature to help us continue to improve student outcomes,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Her addition reinforces Ģ����ý’s commitment to meeting our community’s need for qualified nursing graduates.”

Since 2003, Dr. Losito has proven her ability to lead and manage all aspects of a nursing program at SUNY Erie rising from nursing instructor to executive dean of nursing. She has demonstrated success in curriculum development, faculty recruitment and creation of clinical partnerships. During her tenure, she successfully increased NCLEX-RN pass rates from 74% to 100% and increased enrollment by 20%. Dr. Losito is also the current president of the Council of Associate Degree Nursing in New York State and a past president of the Williamsville Central School District’s Board of Education.

Dr. Losito holds a doctorate in health education from D’Youville University, a master’s degree in nursing and adult nurse practitioner from Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from D’Youville University. She resides in Williamsville.

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