New chair named to lead College Council

NEW PALTZ — Kenneth J. Abt has been appointed as chair of the College Council of the State University of New York at New Paltz. Abt, who is the chairman and CEO of First Federal Savings of Middletown, has been a member of the New Paltz College Council since his appointment in 1995.

Kenneth J. Abt has been appointed as chair of the College Council of the State University of New York at New Paltz.

“For almost 14 years, our college and College Council have already benefited from Ken Abt’s wisdom, thoughtful insights and deep belief in the importance of this college,” said College President Steven Poskanzer. “I couldn’t be more delighted that he has been tapped as our Council chair. I look forward to working side by side with him to help New Paltz flourish.”

Abt, a Middletown resident, joined the Council in 1995 and was reappointed again in 2000. During his tenure he has worked with three college presidents: Alice Chandler, Roger Bowen and the current president, Steven Poskanzer.

Abt is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and completed further graduate programs at the University of Connecticut and Indiana University.

Abt currently serves as a director of the New York Bankers’ Association; was elected to three 3-year terms on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (an $85 billion SEC registered Reserve Bank) where he served as chair of the Audit Committee; and has served as chair of the New York League of Savings Institutions; chair of First Monetary Mutual Limited; and director of America’s Community Bankers, a national trade association.

Abt is past president of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce; the Arts Council of Orange County; the Homemakers Service of Orange County; and the Orange County Citizens Foundation. He has also served as chair of the Orange County Water Authority; as founder and director of the Community Foundation of Orange County; and director of the Center for Financial Studies at Fairfield University.

Abt succeeds Harry Scherr III, who died on Dec. 21, 2007.

SUNY College Councils are established, described and governed by the provisions of Article 8, Section 356 of the New York State Education Law. Each state-operated campus has such a Council. Each Council consists of 10 members, nine appointed by the governor, and one elected by and from the students on the campus. The governor designates one member as chair. Council members appointed by the governor serve for a term of seven years. Councils also shall invite a representative of the faculty and a representative of the alumni to attend regular meetings of the Council. Consistent with the statutory responsibilities of such bodies, they shall develop and foster strong relationships between their institutions and local communities and promote campus and university interests.

For more information about the College Council at SUNY New Paltz, visit www.newpaltz.edu/president/collegecouncil.html.