Philip A. Glotzbach

Philip A. Glotzbach served as the seventh president of Skidmore College from 2003 to 2020. During his 17-year tenure, he oversaw a range of initiatives that enhanced the College’s academic offerings and physical landscape.

Major initiatives under Glotzbach’s leadership included the transformation of Skidmore’s First-Year Experience program in 2005, the opening of new student housing options — Northwoods Village in 2006 and Sussman Village in 2013 — and the creation of the 54,000-square-foot Arthur Zankel Music Center in 2010. An articulate spokesperson on the issue of science literacy within a liberal arts education, he led the charge for exciting new initiatives in science education at Skidmore, most notably the construction of its Center for Integrated Sciences, the largest single academic project in the College’s history. Construction of the facility, which will be a hub for unique interdisciplinary connections between and among the sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences, is being completed in phases. In addition, significant investments in geothermal heating and cooling and solar energy have been tied to new construction and updates, adding to major strides in campus sustainability efforts.

Glotzbach also made a strong commitment to improving access to Skidmore. During his tenure, the College’s financial aid budget quadrupled, growing from $15 million to more than $60 million, and admissions of domestic students of color, first-generation college students and international students increased significantly. Overall, Skidmore achieved record applications for admission during Glotzbach’s time in office.

Glotzbach placed major emphasis on building and sustaining a campus educational community based on respect and a commitment to excellence. This work was guided by Engaged Liberal Learning: The Plan for Skidmore College 2005-2015 and Creating Pathways to Excellence: The Plan for Skidmore College 2015-2025. He also lectured on effective academic administration and the deep connection between liberal education and responsible citizenship.

On the fundraising side, Glotzbach headed the two most ambitious fundraising campaigns in Skidmore’s history — Creative Thought Bold Promise, which concluded in 2010 by raising $216.5 million, and Creating Our Future, which has raised more than $210 million to date and has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. Among Creating Our Future’s priorities is the creation of the groundbreaking Center for Integrated Sciences and increased endowment support for financial aid.