ROCHESTER, NY - Alfred University President Dr. Charles M. Edmondson has been named president elect of the Empire 8 conference and began a two-year term on July 1, 2005.

"We are very excited to have Dr. Edmondson as our next president," said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "His philosophy of intercollegiate athletics and the role it plays in the mission of an educational institution is very healthy and reflective of the Empire 8's philosophy as a whole. We look forward to more great progress under his leadership." Dr. Edmondson will be replacing Utica College President Dr. Todd Hutton, who was the first president of a member institution to serve as president of the conference, beginning in January 2002.

Dr. Edmondson became the 13th president of Alfred University on July 1, 2000. He was instrumental in establishing a Phi Beta Kappa chapter at the university's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, a distinction afforded to only 270 colleges in the U.S.

He has also just secured the largest gift in Alfred University history to build a new 500-seat main stage theater at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Newly elected to the Board of Directors of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, Dr. Edmondson also serves as a member of the board and treasurer of the Independent College Fund of New York.

Dr. Edmondson came to Alfred after serving as vice president for Academic Affairs and provost at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida for seven years. He earned a B.A. degree, magna cum laude, and an M.A. degree in history from the University of Mississippi, and received a Ph.D degree in history from Florida State University.

Contact Email: edmondson@alfred.edu