Richard Berman

In 1995, Richard Berman joined Manhattanville College. For the next 14 years, he served as the Purchase, New York, institution’s President. At Manhattanville, he drew on the analytical and management skills he gained from his prior work experience in the private and public sectors. Richard Berman not only saved Manhattanville College, but also turned it into a high ranking liberal arts school. Without gaining additional debt or selling any of Manhattanville’s assets, Richard Berman successfully increased both local and international student enrollment at Manhattanville, established two new buildings, invested in better technology, developed more graduate programs, and raised the number of full-time faculty and librarians, among other advancements. A hands-on leader, Richard Berman personally took part in the rebuilding efforts at Manhattanville, working an average of 16 hours daily. Today, the past President of Manhattanville College fulfills the capacities of President and Trustee of The New York City Police Museum, President and Chief Executive Officer of LICAS, and Chair of the Board of nonprofit organization Seeds of Peace. Having formerly served at the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, and NYU Medical Center, Richard Berman now offers counsel to the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and health care recommendations to the President of the Republic of Rwanda. With a determination to change the world for the better, Richard Berman has devoted the last 40 years of his life to helping others in various capacities. In addition to facilitating Manhattanville’s turnaround, he functioned as an Official Consultant for the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur. Since 2006, Manhattanville’s past leader has participated in the Fulbright Specialist Program, in which he previously collaborated with the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University in Uganda and currently assists the Rector of the National University of Rwanda. A distinguished community leader, Richard Berman earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with distinction, Master of Business Administration with distinction, and Master of Public Health, all from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he holds honorary doctorates from New York Medical College and Manhattanville College.