Cerri Banks to join Syracuse as vice president

Cerri A. Banks is joining Syracuse University as vice president of Student Success, and deputy to the senior vice president, the university announced. 

Banks, dean of students and vice president for student affairs at Skidmore since 2016, is returning to the institution where she completed her B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. between 1997 and 2006.  

“I credit Syracuse University with changing the trajectory of my life,” Banks said, according to a statement from the university. “To be able to return to an institution and create the type of experience that I had for other students is an honor I had not expected in my career.” 

Banks leaves Skidmore at the end of this month. A national search is currently underway for her replacement. 

At Skidmore, Banks has provided important leadership on a wide range of issues and initiatives, including the move to a smoke-free campus, the Skidmore Speaks project, the development of a social justice space and reimagined model of student engagement, the implementation of updated federal Title IX guidelines, and navigation of the COVID-19 crisis.  

“Cerri’s commitment has always been to our students and their welfare, and she has helped the College continue to move forward and seek new paths to provide our students with the best possible experience,” Skidmore President Marc Conner said. “The impact of her leadership will be felt at Skidmore for years to come.”