Empire State College of the State University of New York has announced five finalists for the presidency of the educational institution. The college, headquartered in Saratoga Springs, services more than 20,000 students at 35 locations and eight foreign offices. Women make up 62 percent of the student body.
The candidates for president will all visit campus this week for interviews and public forums. Two of the five finalists are women.
Meg Benke is the acting president of the college and has served in that role since last August. Previously, she was the college’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Benke is a graduate of Youngstown State University in Ohio and hold a doctorate in student personnel from Ohio University.
Merodie A. Hancock is the vice president of the Global Campus of Central Michigan University. She has been an advocate for increasing educational opportunities for adult students and for veterans and active duty military personnel. Prior to joining the staff at Central Michigan University in 2007, she was associate provost of the University College at the University of Maryland College Park.
Dr. Hancock is a graduate of Scripps College in Claremont, California. She holds an MBA from Claremont Graduate University and a doctorate in urban services and education administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.
Update: One April 18, Dr. Hancock was chosen as the next president of Empire State College.