SPRINGFIELD – American International College (AIC) President Vince Maniaci has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2021-2022 academic school year.

At the time of retirement, Maniaci will have served as president of AIC for 17 years.

Throughout his time with the college, Maniaci made several changes and upgrades to further create “a diverse, urban community; strong co-curricular, athletic, and academic connections; and student-centered, culturally aware programming,” as stated in a press release.

With Maniaci as president, AIC increased both undergraduate and graduate programs through the doctoral level, which resulted in high student enrollment.

New programming included a minor in Spanish, an added Master of Science in Cannabis Science and Commerce, expansion of the Masters in Education program, the establishment of a low residency program and the growth of Health Sciences.

Maniaci also helped expand athletic programs, improve sports venues, renovate campus facilities, enhance campus safety and pursue necessary grant funding.

In a press release, Board of Trustees Chair Frank Colaccino expressed his appreciation for the leadership and growth Maniaci has brought to the AIC campus.

“Vince came onboard at a critical time. The financial stability of the College was in a precarious state. AIC faced a significant budget deficit that, if left unchecked, would spell a certain end to AIC’s historic mission and purpose…” said Colaccino. “Through challenging times and some tough decisions, Vince has been able to enact positive change that has kept AIC viable and relevant. The Board of Trustees and I are grateful for his contribution to AIC’s success and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, Maniaci and AIC were able to keep their enrollment up. In the fall 2020 semester, the total graduate enrollment was nearly 1,250 students. The undergraduate population is currently nearing 1,400 students.

According to a press release, “Combined commitments to infrastructure and programming earned AIC the status of being recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education over several years as one of the fastest-growing colleges in both the bachelor’s and master’s degree categories.”

In a statement to Reminder Publishing, Maniaci reflected on his time as president.

“It is with the dedicated support of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, that we were able to reverse course from where we were in 2005. Resolute in their blueprint for the long-term success of the institution, together we were able to restore financial health, fund capital improvements, grow academic and athletic programming, and increase enrollment. Additionally, as a campus community, we are committed to providing access and opportunity to a diverse population of students, many of whom are the first generation in their family to attend college. For others, AIC offers a chance that might not otherwise be afforded to them, including the availability of financial resources,” he said.

“AIC has long been, and will continue to be, a beacon of hope for individuals who are inspired to grow in both knowledge and experience, whether they join us for all four years in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, come in as transfer students, or elect to further their professional goals as graduate students. Providing higher educational opportunities for all students is the reason we are here - now and in the future,” finished Maniaci.

A search for Maniaci’s successor will be underway for the 2022-2023 academic school year. AIC plans to find someone who will “continue with a vision of access, opportunity, and diversity.”