St. John’s University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
announced that James P. Pellow, Ed.D. will be leaving the
University to accept a new position as President and CEO of the
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), effective on
June 1, 2011.
“I know that our entire University community joins with me in
expressing deep appreciation to Jim for all that he has been — and
done for us — at St. John’s,” said Fr. Harrington. “Our University
is stronger and better because of his countless contributions to
it. We wish Jim many years of continued success in his new
position.”
Pellow came to St. John’s in November, 1991 as Controller of the
University, and since 2000 has served as Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer, where he was instrumental in the
development and execution of the University's Strategic Plan. He
received his Ed.D. from the Graduate School of Education at the
University of Pennsylvania and his B.B.A. and M.B.A. from Niagara
University.
His strategic, financial and operational leadership led to
widespread success in fulfilling the University’s mission and
achieving its institutional goals. With nearly two decades of
significant accomplishments attributed to his leadership, the
lasting impression that he has made on every aspect of the
University that clearly means so much to him will be felt for years
to come.
Pellow acknowledges that he is most proud that he was able to
“…help Fr. Harrington and the Board of Trustees shape the plan for
transformation and then implement many of the key strategies – the
rebuilding, the reshaping of the student body and the constant
drive for improving excellence at every level to improve our
service to students. It’s work that will never be totally
completed, but I think we’ve made good progress.”
Not surprisingly, his time at St. John’s has had a significant
impact on him, both personally and professionally. As someone who
has helped to engineer the transformation of the University from a
relatively local commuter institution into a technologically
sophisticated global university with a worldwide reputation for
excellence, he is grateful for the opportunities for growth that
were imbedded into his St. John’s experience.
“Twenty years of helping a wonderful group of people implement
the special mission of St. John’s would have a positive impact on
anyone,” he noted. “On one level, I’m a much stronger professional
thanks to Fr. Harrington’s mentoring and his willingness to let me
tackle complex challenges, always providing support and always
willing to allow me to learn from mistakes or missteps. The
dramatic transformation of St. John’s over the past decade has
amplified those growth opportunities. And on the other hand, being
able to embrace the Vincentian service mission, the ability to help
shape and support academic service programs for students and to
work with so many wonderful New York City social agencies, has
enabled me to realize in a special way the Vincentian spirit that
was planted during my days as a student at Niagara University.”
Although eagerly looking forward to meeting the challenges that
surely lie ahead in his new position, Pellow admits that a part of
him will always be attuned to the Vincentian philosophy that lies
at the heart of St. John’s commitment to making a difference in the
lives of others. It is his hope that he will be remembered for
whatever contributions he has made towards keeping that legacy
alive.
“In some small way, it would be gratifying to be remembered for
helping to move forward Vincent’s vision - people serving God by
serving others and doing so with impact. Action with impact is how
I envision Vincent’s legacy. I think, together with a wonderful
team of professionals, we’ve been able to do some good work over
the years that have made a real, measurable difference in the lives
of many of our students and many of our neighbors in the
communities we serve. If I could choose my own legacy at St.
John’s, that would be it.”
As he transitions to his new role at CIEE, Pellow sees
similarities in his current and future job descriptions that will
allow him to continue to mold future leaders both nationally and
internationally.
“CIEE has a strong position in the field of international
educational and student exchange in and out of the United States,
working in more than 50 countries and serving about 40,000
participants across a wide array of programming,” he said. “It
offers a wonderful management opportunity to join a successful team
and organization with such an honorable mission, glorious history
and true legacy of quality and accomplishment.”