Dr. Ruta Shah-Gordon brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, having served at five different institutions. She spent 23 years at Wagner College, where she held multiple leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Life. In this role, she oversaw a comprehensive portfolio including admissions, enrollment, student retention, academic advising, career development, residential education, student engagement and activities, intercultural advancement, study abroad, spiritual life, health and wellness, orientation, campus safety, and the Dean’s Office.
A dedicated advocate for the holistic development and retention of students and staff, Dr. Shah-Gordon integrates empathy, well-being, and intercultural competence into her leadership approach. She is deeply committed to fostering success through cross-functional collaboration, promoting civil discourse, expanding access to higher education, strengthening resources for retention and encouraging meaningful involvement and development on campus and within the broader Staten Island community.
Beyond her work in higher education, Dr. Shah-Gordon serves as Chair of the Governance Committee on the Board of Directors for Project Hospitality, a nonprofit supporting vulnerable populations. She also serves on the board of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island.
Dr. Shah-Gordon earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her scholarly work focuses on building intercultural competence through civic engagement. She holds a master’s degree in social psychology from Colgate University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stony Brook University.