President Gibralter arrived at Wells in July 2015. His leadership is marked by a deep understanding of the current climate for higher education and the undergraduate experience; a demonstrated commitment to student well-being and environmental sustainability; extensive expertise in fiscal management; and the creativity and courage to pursue innovative solutions.
Before coming to Wells, he served as president of Frostburg State University in western Maryland. He began his career in higher education with the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Following appointments as a faculty member, academic program director and associate dean for the school of liberal arts at Morrisville, he served as dean of academic affairs, campus dean and interim president in the SUNY community college system, ultimately assuming the presidency of Farmingdale State College.
President Gibralter earned his B.A. in psychology from Binghamton University; his master’s degree in counseling psychology from New York University; a doctorate in human development from Syracuse University; and an MBA from the University of Maryland's University College (now known as the University of Maryland Global Campus).
President Gibralter is supported in these efforts by the members of his senior leadership team, who bring a variety of experience and perspectives to their roles. You can read more about each Cabinet member below.
Cindy began at Wells in the summer of 2006. She earned her Ph.D. in development psychology from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst. Her undergraduate major was social sciences from Simon’s Rock College (Great Barrington, Mass.), where she also earned a junior fellowship. She has always wanted to teach at a small liberal arts institution. Prior to coming to Wells as the associate dean of the College in 2006, she taught at both the University of Maine at Machias and Elmira College. After a national search in 2011, Cindy was appointed to her current position as provost and dean of the College.
Robert, who previously held the position of chief financial officer from August 2015 through August 2019, returned to Wells in January 2021. He earned his B.S. in accounting from SUNY Empire State College and his MBA from Ithaca College. Robert has worked in higher education for over 20 years, including in similar roles at Ithaca College and Clarkson University.
Larry began at Wells August 1, 2019. He has significant experience in higher education and health care sector fundraising. He holds a B.A. in government from St. Lawrence University (Canton, N.Y.). Larry came to Wells from Cone Health in Greensboro, NC, where he served as senior vice president for institutional advancement and worked to build a new culture of philanthropy and exceeded yearly fundraising goals; he also was involved in improving the community and donor relations. Larry and the entire Advancement team welcome students, faculty, staff and visitors to stop by Pettibone House anytime for a quick hello or to help make connections to Wells alumnae and alumni.
Charles arrived at Wells in February 2019 to serve through the 2019–20 academic year as the interim dean of students; in summer 2020 he was permanently named to that role. He received his B.A. in education from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, his master’s in education from Harvard University, and his doctorate in higher education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. With an extensive background in managing student affairs, student development programs and in securing grant funding, Charles served as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students for 14 years and 11 years as assistant vice president at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Chris, who had served as a staff writer at Wells in the mid-2000s, returned to the College in August 2017 as director of communications and marketing. He earned his B.S. in humanities and international affairs from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and his M.S. in media management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Prior to his current role at Wells, he also worked for ten years at Ithaca College, and earlier at National Geographic Society, Microsoft and the Washington Post.
Gerard began at Wells in July of 2019. Prior to coming to Wells, he served Ithaca College in a range of positions including vice president for enrollment management and director of admission. He also held positions in residence life at Bucknell University and St. Lawrence University. Gerard received his B.A. in mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and his master’s of education in counseling and human development from St. Lawrence.
