Manhattan University Board of Trustees announces Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. as 22nd President of the University

July 16, 2025

Dear Manhattan University Community Members,

I am exceedingly pleased to announce that Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., has been named the 22nd President of Manhattan University.  

In my September 19, 2024 message to you when we named Fred the Interim President, we sought a leader who had a demonstrated track record of driving growth along with the depth of experience to immediately make a positive difference for our students, faculty, administration, and staff.  In the ensuing 10 months, Fred has done just that…..and more. My colleagues on the Board of Trustees and I have come to know Fred as a highly thoughtful and insightful leader.  He is humble yet hardworking and has an enthusiasm for educating and empowering students.  Fred also firmly believes in the value of a college education for all who want it, seeking to educate the broadest array of students – be they first generation college attendees or students with a long legacy of Jasper history.

He has established new programs and partnerships, always keeping our students at the core of all that he does.  In his quiet way, he exudes a determination to push Manhattan to the next upward level while always keeping the Lasallian values of respect, inclusion, and social justice in focus.

With his extensive background in academia for 30 years as a professor and administrator, Fred also understands the rigors of being a faculty member and the challenges and opportunities that each faculty member faces in our ever-changing world.  Fred was a psychology professor, served as President of the Faculty Senate at Saint Peter’s University, and was that university’s Director of Faculty Research and Sponsored Programs where he facilitated the grant process for his peers.  He also was the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs and then the Executive Vice President & Provost.  Further, Fred was the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at Montclair State University and played a central role in health-related initiatives at that school, including launching the School of Nursing and the Center for Clinical Services. 

From all this, I am sure you can see why the Board has every confidence that Manhattan University is in the best of hands with Dr. Frederick Bonato.  We look forward to a long association with President Bonato.

Sincerely, Stephen Squeri ’81, ’86 MBA
Chairman of the Board of Trustees