Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - Although he remains on the job until next summer, Dr. Satish Tripathi has been called by regional leaders a "bridge builder" and under-appreciated asset in his time as president at the University at Buffalo.
Tripathi announced his plans to step down as president of the university in mid-September, and delivered his final "State of the University" address on Friday. Tripathi has been UB president since 2011, making him one of the university's longest tenured chief executives.
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"Satish's legacy is one of progress, integrity and unwavering commitment to academic excellence," said Jerry Jacobs Jr., UB Council president and Delaware North Cos. CEO.
During his tenure, UB has - for the past seven years - seen a total enrollment north of 30,000 students including more than 19,000 under graduate students.
UB has a local economic impact of more than $1.7 billion, while employing slightly more than 3,000 people.
"What Satish did - and did well - was build a strong bridge and connection between UB and the community," said Danielle Shainbrown, Bellwether Advisors principle.
Under the "UB 2020" plan, the university's blueprint for growth, Tripathi was able to see enrollment increase, major upgrades to its North and South campuses and, as one of his signature items, the development of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The Jacobs School is not only a key anchor in the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, but also viewed as downtown economic development engine.
"Don't under estimate what Satish has done for the region," said A.J. Baynes, Amherst Chamber of Commerce CEO and president.
A national search for a new UB president is underway.