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.
Susan, a seasoned higher education professional with decades of academic and executive leadership experience, began her tenure at Wells in July 2022. She is a teacher–scholar in religious studies whose work has focused on cultural understandings of American religion as well as the theoretical and conceptual relation of religion to gender and sexuality. For over 25 years, she taught in the Department of Religious Studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and was named professor emerita of religious studies in 2015. More recently, she served as president and CEO of Shimer College in Chicago, and as interim vice president of academic affairs and student affairs—and later president—at Salem Academy and College, one of the oldest women's colleges in the U.S. Susan earned a B.A. in religion and sociology from Duke University; she later earned her M.A. at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she also obtained her Ph.D. in religion and psychological studies.
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.
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.
