Ethan Seidel, Vice President of Finance and Administration since 1993, has announced that he is stepping down from his position to return to the faculty to teach and chair the Department of Economics and Business Administration at the end of the academic year.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the classroom. I’ve enjoyed being an administrator, but it just feels like now is a good time to return to my faculty roots. I’ve been fortunate to be able to have two careers in the same place, and both have been very rewarding,” he said.
Seidel currently oversees the operating budget, campus construction and renovation, management of the College’s endowment and operations including campus improvements and maintenance, human resources, for-profit rentals and contractual agreements, and the WMC Development Corporation.
“Always the professor, Dr. Seidel has taught me so much and has always been there to support and guide me. McDaniel students – you are so lucky to have him! Take advantage of all he has to offer,” said Kim Seely, Director of Financial Planning and Budget.
As chief financial officer for 20 years, Seidel’s accomplishments include expanding McDaniel College’s endowment to over $100 million, renovating almost every academic building on campus, and the construction of Merritt Hall, Merritt Fitness Center, the North Village complex, and the Kenneth R. Gill Stadium.
“Approximately 26 years ago, I met Dr. Seidel as a Professor teaching Statistics. My first impression was that he was incredibly patient and he managed to help all students understand a difficult topic. His calm manner and ability to provide concrete examples were valued by any struggling student,” said Payroll and Accounts Payable Manager Barbara Kashen.
Seidel began his career teaching at Western Maryland College in 1969. Since, he has been selected twice by students for he Distinguished Teaching Award and was one of the 20 economists nationwide in 1982 to receive the Leavy Award for Excellence in Free Enterprise Education. Seidel also serves as the advisor to the college’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national honor society for academic leadership. In 2009, Board Chair Martin K.P. Hill and his wife established an endowed chair on the Board of Trustees in Seidel’s honor.
The College is currently searching for a replacement for Seidel to start at the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year.
Seidel sits in his conference room, showing off the plans for expanding North Village and adding more signage to campus.
Dr. Seidel has always made time for interviews with McDaniel Free Press reporters, too! I recall him having a wealth of knowledge and love for the campus…