Dec. 5, 1996-Vol28n14: Wagner to chair New York State United Way for second term

Wagner to chair New York State United Way for second term

Senior Vice President Robert J. Wagner, UB's chief financial officer, has been elected to a second consecutive one-year term as chair of the United Way of New York State.

The statewide organization was founded in 1975 to give local United Ways a voice in state government, and to help them raise more money, build strategic alliances to address community needs, provide vision and leadership on key issues and maintain a high level of customer service.

Wagner is head of a statewide Board of Directors that includes local United Way volunteers, three local United Way executives and several statewide volunteers from key constituencies such as labor, business and education.

The United Way of New York State provides services unique to the state, such as state-level public policy or help with the state employees campaign. The state organization works with the United Way of America to utilize the best of its training and research.

In 1996, the United Way of New York State assisted local United Ways through activities designed to increase their SEFA campaigns and improve their market shares. In addition, the statewide organization held the 10th annual state conference, the annual Success By Six roundtable and a new collaboration with the State Education Department.

Ruth Bryant, assistant dean, School of Architecture and Planning, is secretary of the United Way of New York State.

Wagner has been a member of UB's professional staff since 1966, when he joined the university as assistant provost in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In addition, he has served as assistant vice president for academic affairs, assistant executive vice president, deputy vice president, and vice president for academic affairs.

In 1985, he was named vice president for university services, and since then has served as UB's chief business officer. He was named senior vice president for university services in 1991, and senior vice president in 1995.

Wagner has received a Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service and the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He has served as associate editor of the Journal of Higher Education Management, and is a member of the American Association of University Administrators Publications Committee.