We’re all busy getting ready for the fall semester, but merger work is also going strong, which is why we already have updates!
Compensation/Role letters for the merged university: We can’t say enough about how grateful we are for the hard work that went into creating a fair and sustainable compensation plan and system for the merged institution.
Thank you to the joint compensation committee, HR, and the leadership teams who poured so much care into building a fair, sustainable structure. In mid-September, you’ll receive a letter via email sharing or affirming your role and compensation at Russell Sage University as of July 1, 2027. We know this is the piece of information you’ve been waiting for, and we thank you for your patience. Your contributions are what makes us strong, and we are glad to have reached this step in the process.
Brand focus groups for employees: Our Marketing and Communications teams are developing the brand position for the merged university. Employee focus groups will start next week, followed by an online survey. Please consider participating in one or both. The first focus group starts Monday, August 17, at 3 p.m. See registration links in your email.
Shared Services Agreements: In addition to continuing her current role at ACPHS, Dr. Meenakshi Malik will be joining us as interim dean of the Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences and vice provost. Dr. Malik brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including over a decade in academic planning, program development, accreditation, shared governance, faculty development, financial stewardship, and student success. She will have an office on the Troy campus soon and can be reached at malikm@sage.edu or Meenakshi.Malik@acphs.edu.
In another Shared Services Agreement, Jenn Gish, currently vice president for marketing and communications at Russell Sage, will now serve as senior vice president for marketing and communications at Russell Sage and interim senior vice president at ACPHS. Diane O’Connor continues in her role as vice president for communications and marketing at ACPHS and will serve as interim vice president for marketing and communications at Russell Sage.
Upcoming employee merger forums: Session information removed for the website. See your email for the session dates and links. You don’t have to attend both in the same month – the content is the same. We wanted to provide two sessions each month to accommodate as many schedules as we can.
Opening Day: We hope to see you at Opening Day, a professional development day for both colleges, on Wednesday, August 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Opening Day registration link and schedule removed for the website. See your email for more information.
We’re grateful for you as you prepare to welcome students back to campus. The best part of the year is about to begin!
Sincerely,
Matt and Theresa
Matthew Shaftel, Ph.D.
President, Russell Sage College
Interim President, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Theresa Hand, OTD
Executive Vice President and Provost, Russell Sage College
Interim Campus Executive, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences