Manhattan University Announces Appointment of Interim President Dr. Frederick Bonato
Today, the Manhattan University Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. Frederick Bonato as Interim President, effective October 15.
Dr. Bonato has spent three decades in higher education both as a faculty member and an administrator. He joins Manhattan University from Montclair State University, where he served as Interim Dean of the College of Community Health and was previously Associate Provost for Academic Affairs from 2013 to 2017. In between, Dr. Bonato served in various roles at Saint Peter’s University from 2017 to 2024, eventually becoming its Executive Vice President & Provost.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming Dr. Bonato to Manhattan University, where we know he will continue to build on the great momentum we are seeing while also advancing the important work we have been undertaking to ensure a vibrant long-term future for our University and students,” said Stephen Squeri, Chairman of Manhattan University Board of Trustees. “With his established track record of success at both Montclair State and Saint Peter’s University, as well as his strong value system that is closely aligned with our Lasallian mission, Dr. Bonato is the right choice for the Interim President role. We are confident that his commitment to collaboration and his diverse experience as a teacher and administrator will benefit the entire Manhattan University community.”
“I want to thank the Board of Trustees for this vote of confidence, and I am so pleased to be joining an institution like Manhattan University that has not only a rich history but a bright future,” said Dr. Bonato. “Manhattan University continues to be nationally recognized for the quality of its education and the preparation it provides its graduates for successful careers, and I look
forward to working with the Board, the students, the faculty, and the staff to maintain this exciting progress.”
Dr. Bonato spent the first 17 years of his career as a professor of psychology at Saint Peter’s University, with an academic focus on motion sickness and aeromedical topics. He served as Chair of the Psychology Department, Director of Faculty Research and Sponsored Programs, and President of the Faculty Senate. He has remained highly engaged in professional associations and publications, having previously held the role of President of the Eastern Psychological Association. He currently serves as Vice President for Education & Research at the Aerospace Medical Association and was Editor-in-Chief of the Aerospace Medical Association’s peer-reviewed journal, Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance. He was elected to the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine in 2015.
Dr. Bonato received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. from Rutgers University.