The Unity College Board of Trustees has confirmed the appointment of Leon L. Wyden, Jr. as its newest trustee with broad experience in higher education and finance. He begins his tenure May 1, 2021.

As an independent not-for-profit educational institution, Unity College relies on its board of trustees for a range of functions, from hiring the president to determining the strategic vision of America’s environmental college. Board members also act as the institution’s fiduciary stewards.

Unity College President Dr. Melik Peter Khoury praised the board’s selection.

“Mr. Wyden brings with him a 30-year career in finance within institutions of higher education,” Khoury said. “We are fortunate to have his senior experience in finance and change management at a time of incredible disruption in higher education. Mr. Wyden will help continue our on-going mission of environmental sustainability as we work toward making a green career accessible to more people than ever before.”

“In addition to his financial background, Mr. Wyden has extensive experience in strategic planning, process, systems, and operations analysis. Those are skills we as a board deem essential to laying the groundwork for Unity College’s path forward,” added Unity Board Chair Sharon Reishus.

Mr. Wyden was recently appointed as the vice president of Finance and Administrative Services at California State University San Marcos, a position he will begin starting in May 2021. Currently, Mr. Wyden is Vice President for Administration and Finance at Frostburg State University, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to that, he was Vice President for Business Affairs, Treasurer at the University of Findlay, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary at Tiffen University, and Associate Vice President of Finance and Planning at Upper Iowa University.

Prior to working in leadership roles in higher education, Mr. Wyden worked in the automotive sector. He received his BBA in Accounting from the University of Detroit Mercy, and is a certified CPA.

“Bringing on a new member with Mr. Wyden’s skillset and accomplishments will make our board, and ultimately our college, stronger as we continue to adapt and grow into the future,” said Nominating Committee Chair Chuck Johnson.

In addition to his new role as trustee at Unity College, Mr. Wyden is also a board member of the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers, and a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the AICPA, the Michigan Association of CPA’s, the Treasury Institute for Higher Education, the National Council of University Research Administrators, the Society for College and University Planning, and the University Risk Management. He is also a former board member of the Insurance Association and the Promedica Hospital Foundation.

“I am excited to join the Unity College Board of trustees. I am looking forward to serving an institution that provides an educational experience that supports environmental sustainability. Unity has shown the ability to be flexible and agile allowing the college to flourish in times of adversity. I look forward to joining them on that journey,” said Wyden.

“Unity College is fortunate to have a board of trustees made up of highly skilled professionals, thought leaders, relationship managers, who have demonstrated a commitment to higher education, sustainability, student success, and to Unity College itself,” Khoury said. “As with all independent educational institutions, members of the Unity College Board of Trustees take on this important role because they believe in the mission of the college.”