Frederick Bonato, Ph.D. took office as the 22nd President of Manhattan University on July 1, 2025; he served as Interim President from October 2024. Dr. Bonato brings over three decades of experience in Catholic higher education as a faculty member and administrator. He proudly champions the values-based education that Manhattan University provides based on its Lasallian, Catholic mission. He leads with ‘zeal’—a term used by Lasallians to describe a passionate commitment.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Bonato holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Rutgers University. From 1995-2012, he served Saint Peter’s University in various roles including a faculty member, Department Chair, President of the Faculty Senate, and Director of Faculty Research. He returned to Saint Peter’s in 2017 to serve as Executive Vice President and Provost until the summer of 2024. Under his leadership, graduate student enrollment doubled, overall enrollment reached a 25-year high, and undergraduate graduation rates reached their highest level in the university’s history.
From 2013 to 2017 Dr. Bonato served Montclair State University—New Jersey’s second largest university—as the Associate Provost for Academic Affairs where he led initiatives such as the development and launch of the School of Nursing, the Center for Clinical Services, and the Center for Community Engagement. In the Summer of 2024 before coming to Manhattan, he served Montclair as the Interim Dean of the College for Community Health.
Dr. Bonato is an internationally recognized expert in aerospace medicine. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters mostly on motion sickness—encompassing simulator sickness, cybersickness, and space motion sickness. In 2017, he co-authored the Springer-published book, The Human Body and Weightlessness, with former astronaut and physician, Dr. William Thornton. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Bonato’s work has been featured by media outlets such as the Science Channel, NBC, FOX News, and PBS (Frontline).
He currently serves as Vice President for Education and Research for the Aerospace Medical Association and previously served as the Editor-in-Chief of its peer-reviewed journal Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance from 2010-2023. In 2015, he was elected a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and was also inducted into the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine.
Since assuming the presidency at Manhattan, Dr. Bonato has emphasized transparency, presence, and collaboration, making it a priority to engage with students, attend athletic events and campus activities, abd be highly visible on campus - all to be rooted in the Manhattan University community. Under Dr. Bonato’s leadership, Manhattan is entering a dynamic new chapter—deeply focused in Lasallian values and mission, yet driven by research innovation; academic excellence; and unwavering ethical, student-focused leadership. His vision entails ensuring that Manhattan graduates are future-ready, highly valued by employers, and possess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that allow them to adapt and succeed in their chosen careers.
A resident of Paterson, New Jersey and father of two adult children—Vienna and Victor, Dr. Bonato enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and staying physically active, drawing on his experience as a karate instructor and competitor.