Siena College Board Approves Transition to ‘Siena University’

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. (
NEWS10
) — The Siena College Board of Trustees voted for and approved a recommendation to change the institution’s name to “Siena University” on Friday, according to a video announcement by president Chuck Seifert. The proposition will now head to the New York State Office of Counsel.

Siena College, located in Loudonville, began the process to potentially become a university in 2022, after the New York State Board of Regents

revised its definition of a university

. After the update, the institution employed an “ADV Market Research” team to complete a year-long study about whether or not a name change would be appropriate.

The study concluded that a name change to a university would not be “merely cosmetic” but would instead reflect “a deep and enduring transformation into a comprehensive, dynamic, and respected university.” According to the college, which has reportedly added more than 30 new academic programs since its founding, becoming a university would boost the prestige of the institution, more accurately reflect its academics and strengthen its competition among other universities.

“Becoming a university aligns with our mission and the strategic plan we’ve been actively pursuing,” the college said

in an online FAQ

. “It’s not a new direction. It’s the natural next step in the evolution of a college that’s always been rooted in something deeper.”

Siena College finally qualified for university status in December 2024, when the New York State Department of Education approved the institution’s Master’s of Social Work program.

Since then, Siena College officials have reportedly researched the logistics of becoming a university and drafted a proposal. The recommendation, which has been updated several times based on feedback, was reviewed by stakeholders, faculty, friars, staff and student leaders. Alumni were also invited to submit their opinions.

“We didn’t rush into this moment or make decisions behind closed doors,” Seifert said in the video announcement, which was sent out to the Siena community on Friday. “What we heard was inspiring — you shared your pride in what Siena has become and your hopes for what it can still be.”

Seifert emphasized that the name change would reflect what Siena College already represents. He also addressed reservations that had been expressed throughout the feedback process, assuring that Siena becoming a university would not be pretending to be something it isn’t.

“We are already doing the work of a university, it’s time we own it,” Seifert said. “This is about standing taller in what we are — mission-driven, value-centered, future-focused.”

In the next steps, the New York State Office of Counsel will review an application for a charter amendment to change the college’s name, which could take until the end of July. After, the charter amendment will make its way to the New York State Board of Regents, who will vote on and potentially approve the change to “Siena University.”

If the board of regents approves the transition, Siena College plans to hold a community celebration event on Sept. 18. The event would align with the Welcome Back Reception, September Board of Trustees meeting and “Founders Day” on Sept. 22.

“This proud step forward will open new doors for our students, strengthen our reputation and put us in a stronger position to compete, lead and thrive,” Seifert said. “It will also be announcement to the world: Siena isn’t standing still; we are rising.”

If the name change is approved, updated signage, materials and trademarks will cost an estimated $75,000 to $100,000. Most of the expenses will come from revisions to the front of Siena Hall, two brick campus entrway signs, the campus message board on Route 9 and the large sign on the side of the UHY center.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NEWS10 ABC.