In New Leadership Model, University of New Haven's Kaplan Transitions from President to CEO

Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D., who has been president of the University of New Haven for the past 18 years, will become the university’s first chancellor and CEO on July 1, in what the University of New Haven’s Board of Governors described as “an innovative leadership transition plan” designed to “build on the momentum of its recent successes, and strengthen its position as a financially sound, highly regarded, comprehensive university.”

In this new role, Kaplan will focus his time externally on high-level fundraising, strategic partnerships, and board relations while continuing to maintain oversight of the university’s overall financial results and operational performance.

Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., who currently serves as director of athletics and recreation at the university, will become interim president. He will serve as the university’s internally facing and community leader, overseeing day-to-day operations with areas of responsibility including branding and reputation, revenue generation, and the implementation of the university’s recently launched five-year strategic plan. Under this new transition plan, the interim president, the provost, and all vice presidents will report to the chancellor and CEO.

In announcing the new leadership configuration, Board of Governors Chair Charles Pompea said, “As all of higher education is facing a time of immense change and mounting competition, the continuity of the university’s achievements and momentum is paramount to the Board of Governors. The board is keenly aware of the pandemic’s profound impact on the value proposition of a college education and the critical spotlight focused on teaching and learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; student mental health; COVID-related budgetary pressures, and more — all on the cusp of the so called ‘demographic cliff.’ At a time like this, our highest priority is ensuring there is a solid leadership transition plan in place.”

Pompea noted that since becoming the University of New Haven’s sixth president in 2004, “Steven Kaplan has created an aspirational vision for the University, leading it through a period of remarkable growth and development. During the past two years, he has expertly steered us through the financial and public health crises created by the pandemic.”

During Kaplan’s presidential tenure, enrollment at the University of New Haven has grown more than 65% to 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Full-time undergraduate enrollment has more than doubled, and first-year applications have quadrupled. In fall 2021, the university welcomed its largest and most diverse incoming first-year class in university history. In addition, officials note that interest and enrollment in graduate education is “spiking,” particularly among international students.

Since 2005, the university has completed $300 million in construction projects, adding or upgrading 600,000 square feet of academic and facility space, and has launched three dozen new academic programs.  Various surveys place the university among the nation’s top programs in business, criminal justice, health sciences, engineering, cybersecurity, forensic science, and the liberal arts and sciences.

Kaplan also led the development of the university’s campus in Tuscany, Italy, which opened 10 years ago, and the acquisition locally of its Orange Campus, a former worldwide corporate headquarters that is now home to the Pompea College of Business. He was also instrumental in the launch of the university’s Connecticut Institute of Technology and creation of the David A. Beckerman Recreation Center; Gehring Hall, the home of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science; and several residence halls.

Prior to joining the University of New Haven, Zenger spent his career in higher education in increasingly more significant leadership roles.  At the University of Kansas where he worked for eight years and had earlier earned his doctorate in educational policy and leadership, he had responsibility for 350 full- and part-time staff members and a budget that grew from $69 million to approximately $100 million, and oversaw the construction of nine new buildings and stadiums. In addition, he served as chair of the Big 12 Conference Directors of Athletics while simultaneously serving as cochair of the University of Kansas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

The University of New Haven recently adopted a Strategic Plan for the next five years, through 2026, that “will position the University to pursue and invest in new opportunities, anticipate and prepare for marketplace changes, and fortify our standing as a destination university for high-achieving students.”

Described as a “bold and forward-thinking plan, it features five outstanding success possibilities designed to build upon the University of New Haven’s rich history and that, when accomplished, will represent a true measure of exemplary achievement.”  They include: Market-responsive Education: Transformative Student Experiences; Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Service; Customized Educational Models, and People First.