Westchester resident takes charge of student services at Touro College

Sept. 24, 2013 – Matthew Bonilla, an administrator who has spent his career in higher education, has been appointed vice-president of student administrative services for Touro College and University System.

Bonilla, formerly of Pace University, brings 12 years of experience in student services and information technology to Touro. He most recently held the position of assistant vice president for the Office of Student Assistance at Pace, where he also was interim vice president of Information Technology/Chief Information Officer. 

At Touro, Bonilla will oversee enrollment management, admissions and financial aid, and will also supervise the office of the registrar and bursar.

With 19,000 students spread throughout 32 schools in five different colleges, Touro represents a challenge for Bonilla, who is excited about the opportunity to develop a systemwide approach to serving students. In the short term, Bonilla seeks to “eliminate any silos within the administrative services areas” in order to best serve student needs, he said. 

“My goal is to bring all the campuses within the Touro system together and to share ideas and best practices,” said Bonilla, a resident of Hawthorne. “Everything we do is a discussion, with a goal of  of reaching  potential students and serving them once they are here.”

Touro, which has grown rapidly, most recently adding a new medical school in Middletown, N.Y., will be an exhilarating challenge, according to Bonilla. The school’s diversity and sense of purpose create a welcoming environment for new ideas, he said. “These collaborations allow the institution to grow. The bond that exists among the administrative staff is at the core of establishing student services at the highest level.

“There is an incredible synergy among people from very diverse cultures and backgrounds,” he said. Bonilla seeks to cross-train all staff members within the student services umbrella. “The goal, he says, is to create a more holistic experience for students.”

At Pace, Bonilla served on a core executive team that revamped student service quality and delivery. During his tenure the university’s bond rating improved, and enrollment, student retention and graduation rates all increased. He provided support in growing the institution’s online and blended offerings, which led to Pace being ranked first in online bachelor degree programs in the nation by “U.S. News and World Report.”

Bonilla’s expertise, leadership style and reputation as a team builder were all part of what made him an outstanding hire, according to David Raab, Touro’s executive vice president.

"We have set as a goal to transform our student administrative services operations, and take an already high-functioning operation to the next level. We want Touro to be known for its stellar services to students,” Raab said. “Matt brings the experience, skills, and energy needed to help get us there, and I have every expectation that he will succeed."

In 2001, Bonilla was selected to the Center for Digital Education’s Converge Yearbook as one of 50 national education innovators. And in 2009, Bonilla won the Rising Stars Award: Westchester County’s 40 under 40 award.

About the Touro College and University System

Touro is a system of non-profit institutions of higher and professional education. Touro College was chartered in 1970 primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American and global community. Approximately 19,000 students are currently enrolled in its various schools and divisions. Touro College has branch campuses, locations and instructional sites in the New York area, as well as branch campuses and programs in Berlin, Jerusalem, Moscow, Paris and Florida. New York Medical College, Touro University California and its Nevada branch campus, as well as Touro University Worldwide and its Touro College Los Angeles division are separately accredited institutions within the Touro College and University System. For further information on Touro College, please go to: http://www.touro.edu/media/.