President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Thinking

The President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Thinking was established in 2007 to recognize, enhance, and sustain Bay Path’s culture of innovation while supporting our mission and goals. It is presented annually to a Bay Path University faculty or staff member, team, or department to recognize outstanding contributions to our community. 

The recipient of the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Innovative Thinking is Andrew DePaolo, University Registrar. Andrew was nominated by Dr. Natalia Blank, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ellen Rustico, Assistant Dean of Education & Licensure Programs, and several others in recognition of his exceptional leadership, collaboration, and transformative impact on operational effectiveness for his processes during the integration of Bay Path University and Cambridge College.

Here is his nomination:

“Andrew has been a central contributor of the integration effort, providing strategic insight and a highly collaborative approach. Most notably, he led the consolidation of more than a dozen academic calendars into a single, unified system, an achievement that streamlined scheduling, simplified financial aid processes, and saved significant administrative time. His technical foresight in aligning core data fields also laid the groundwork for unifying student records in Jenzabar, leading to long-term efficiency and cost savings.

Andrew has also played a key role in modernizing and digitizing student-facing processes. He championed unified digital forms, including a centralized Non-Degree Seeking registration pathway, eliminating paper-based workflows, reducing errors, and creating a seamless enrollment experience for students. In addition, his work aligning planned course offerings and policy across institutions has improved cost management, operational clarity, and institutional consistency.

Equally important is Andrew’s leadership. He initiated cross-training within the Registrar’s Office, allowing his staff to take on expanded responsibilities and operate as an integrated team across campuses. His inclusive leadership style has fostered trust, collaboration, and shared ownership across academic and administrative units

Ultimately his efforts have impacted our faculty and staff, and, most important, improved the lives of our students.”

Congratulations Andrew!