Today, the Manhattan University Board of Trustees announced that President Milo Riverso '81, Ph.D., P.E., will be transitioning out of the role as President no later than December 31, 2024, at which time he will become a senior advisor to the Board and to the to-be-named Interim President.
Stephen Squeri, Chairman of Manhattan University Board of Trustees, said that Riverso approached the Board over the summer about his desire to transition back into retirement for health reasons. As a result, the Board has initiated the process of identifying an Interim President. President Riverso will continue to lead the University until an Interim President is named to ensure an orderly transition.
“Ever since Milo Riverso arrived on campus as a student in 1977, he has been finding new and impactful ways to give back to the Manhattan University community. On behalf of the Board, I thank him for guiding Manhattan University as President through a challenging period; he is leaving our institution stronger as a result,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Stephen Squeri. “With the worst of the pandemic’s effects behind us, we have a bright future ahead. Moving forward, the Board is focused on appointing an Interim President who will build on the progress that has been made under Milo to ensure that Manhattan University will successfully carry out its Lasallian Catholic mission for generations to come.”
Milo Riverso, the 21st President in the 171-year history of Manhattan University, led the institution through a period of critical transition and financial upheaval stemming from the pandemic. During his tenure, Manhattan University has enhanced the student experience by consolidating schools and reorganizing academic offerings to align with student demand; signed several articulation agreements with the area’s local community colleges; and announced three new NCAA Division 1 sports programs. As a result of this progress, the University recently placed 52 nd overall in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 rankings of the top 500 colleges in the United States, where it was also ranked 20 th nationwide for “Best Salaries.”
"I am very proud of the many accomplishments that the University has implemented over the past year as it moves towards a sustainable financial model. It has been an incredible honor to lead my alma mater even though we have had some very challenging issues which required some very difficult decisions but will strengthen us in the long-term," said Riverso. "It is a testament to Manhattan University’s stature that we have leaders among our board, current administration, faculty, and alumni who are so dedicated and committed to the long-term goals of Manhattan University in carrying out the Lasallian Catholic mission in higher education.”
The Manhattan University Board of Trustees thanks President Riverso for his contributions and wishes him and his family well as he focuses on his health issues.
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Catholic Lasallian institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.