Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., the 15th president of Manhattanville University and Manhattanville’s first Latino president, is being honored with the Trailblazer Award from the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WHCC).
“I am honored to be recognized by the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” said Sánchez. “I am proud to help lead a university that is continuously recognized for its diverse student body and leadership. We will continue to offer our Latinx students, now 40% of our new students, an outstanding education and a sense of community.”
“President Frank Sánchez has been a transformative leader for Manhattanville University, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level,” said Michael Dunn, chair of the Board, Manhattanville University. “His recognition with the Trailblazer Award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community and his visionary leadership. We’d like to thank the outstanding leaders at the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for this distinction.”
Sonia Montano, president of the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WHCC), said, “We are delighted to honor Dr. Sánchez for all he has done, and continues to do, for the community. He is a shining example of an individual who represents the mission of the WHCC and is an outstanding leader in education in Westchester County.”
The Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the leading county-wide Hispanic business organization, with a mission to promote the economic growth and development of Hispanic businesses and professionals in Westchester. Founded in 1988, the WHCC was established by a committed group of business professionals and individuals who recognized the pressing need to create a platform that can positively respond to the needs of the growing Hispanic business community.
Sánchez began his term as president of Manhattanville in July 2023. He was recently appointed a member of the NCAA Division III Chancellors/Presidents Advisory Group and signed onto College Presidents for Civic Preparedness. He serves as a board member of The Business Council of Westchester and on the National Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. His focus on curricular innovation, experiential learning and workforce development are leading Manhattanville into a new era for the next-generation student.
For nearly three decades, Sánchez has advanced higher education policy, programs, and services toward improving college completion rates and modernizing higher education systems. Prior to joining Manhattanville, he was president of Rhode Island College (RIC) from 2016-2022. During his tenure at RIC, the school’s “U.S. News and World Report” social mobility ranking rose to No.2 among New England public institutions. In addition, student diversity grew dramatically during Sánchez’s time as president of the college.
The Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the leading county-wide Hispanic business organization dealing with the concerns of the growing Hispanic business community of Westchester. The organization’s mission is to promote the economic growth and development of Hispanic businesses and professionals in Westchester.
