HAMBURG , N.Y. – The Hilbert College Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Cynthia Zane, Ed.D., to be the next president of Hilbert. She will take office July 1, 2006, as the college’s third president.

Karen Gaughan Scott, chairperson of the Hilbert Board of Trustees, announced the selection to the college community today (Feb. 28).

Zane was selected following a five-month national search to find a successor for Sister Edmunette Paczesny, Ph.D., who will step down as college president in May after an exemplary 32-year tenure.

“The Hilbert College Board of Trustees are delighted Dr. Zane will assume the office of the president of the college,” said Karen Gaughan Scott, chairperson of the board. “With her proven record of excellence in higher education, Dr. Zane is uniquely qualified to build upon Sister Edmunette Paczesny’s legacy at a time when the college is poised to continue its ongoing growth and achievements. The board is confident Dr. Zane will be a successful leader at Hilbert and will assist the college in maintaining its strong vision for the future.

“From the outset of the search process,” added Gaughan Scott, “Dr. Zane stood out among the candidates as an individual with the energy, creative vision and strengths to enhance Hilbert in the coming years. The trustees of the college look forward to working with Dr. Zane and we welcome her to the Hilbert community. The presidential search committee under the direction of trustee Dennis Black is to be commended for a job well done.”

“I am excited by Hilbert’s numerous assets, its mission, strong academic programs, engaged students, a dedicated faculty and staff, and beautiful campus,” said Zane. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Hilbert community to implement a thoughtful strategic planning process that will reiterate Hilbert’s Catholic identity, expand the development and fund-raising programs, and maintain a competitive enrollment management program with strong academic programs.”

“Sister Edmunette Paczesny’s outstanding leadership has left a firm foundation upon which to build the future. We will be working closely together in the next few months to effect a smooth transition.”

A native of Johnstown, Pa., Zane has had a broad career in higher education. She’s currently chief academic officer and dean of the faculty at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati. Prior to this, she spent 10 years (1991-2001) at the University of Detroit Mercy where she was dean of the McAuley School of Nursing and also the College of Health Professions, an area for which she was previously associate dean.

While at her alma mater, Saint Xavier College in Chicago, Zane was on the School of Nursing faculty (1979-91) and was later named assistant dean of continuing studies and director of the institution’s weekend college (1988-91).

In other capacities, Zane has served as a member of Cincinnati’s College Access & Success Partnership and the Women’s Institute for Leadership Development, and was a member of the Mercy Health Partners Board of Trustees Human Resources Committee and the Catholic Health Partners Board of Trustees Human Resources Committee.

Her honors have included a 2005 fellowship in the Council for Independent Colleges Prospective Presidential Vocation Institute and received an award for outstanding contributions to the University of Detroit Mercy’s Urban Health Education Center.

She earned a doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree in nursing from Rush University, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Saint Xavier University.

Zane is married to Stephen Mazurak and the mother of three grown sons.

The search for Hilbert’s president was done by a 13-member search committee made up of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni and students.

“Dr. Zane brings to Hilbert a strong background in Catholic education and has a unique insight and understanding of Franciscan values,” said Dennis Black, chairperson of the search committee. “In meeting with various Hilbert constituencies, she impressed all with her energy, dedication and drive. Dr. Zane will be a dynamic leader for the college in the years ahead.”