Molloy President joins board, named to Power 100 list

Molloy University President James Lentini was recently elected to join the Commission on Independent College and Universities board.

“I am honored to be named to the Board of Trustees of The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities,” Lentini said. “This group of presidents represents private colleges and universities in every region of New York State, and I look forward to working with them to support the many important goals of higher education.”

Lentini was named Molloy University’s seventh president in June 2020. Under his leadership, important goals and objectives have been established to expand enrollment and develop new academic programs to meet the needs of students in the New York area. More than just a leader of higher education, he is also an award-winning composer and classic guitarist, who is a voting member of the Grammys National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Lentini was also named to City and State’s New York 2023 Higher Education Power 100 list, which recognizes the most influential academic leaders. He is ranked at No. 66 on the list, which is not based on graduation rates, class sizes, or test scores, focusing instead on college and university officials making the biggest differences on- and off-campus.

“Being named to the City and State Higher Education Power 100 list is important recognition for Molloy University,” Lentini said. “City and State New York’s power lists highlight individuals, but they also provide critical focus on the organizations where the honorees work. Being recognized by a publication like City and State is a key factor in reminding the public that Molloy plays an important role in shaping not only Long Island, but the metro region and all of New York state.”

Some milestones achieved during his tenure include the status change from a college to a university in 2022, securing the school’s single largest monetary gift, $2 million, which was awarded to Molloy from coffee entrepreneur S. Zaki Hossain, and has served on the boards of the Long Island Association and the Long Island Arts Alliance. Building a new vision for the future, Lentini is also leading the development of a new strategic plan that sets a path for Molloy to expand its impact and reach as a comprehensive university that offers top-tier professional and academic programs rooted in the liberal arts.