University of New Haven’s Board of Governors Elects New Chair and Vice

WEST HAVEN, Conn. — July 16, 2024 — The University of New Haven’s Board of Governors has elected Michael H. Ambrose ’84, ’19 Hon., a Bridgeport, Conn., native who served as vice chair for the last four years, as its chair and David J. Peterson, Jr. ’88, ’17 Hon., a member of the board for 14 years, its vice chair. Each will serve for a two-year term.

“The University of New Haven has always stood for transforming lives and society in an impactful way,” said Ambrose, who served as chair of the University’s Presidential Search Committee, culminating with Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., being elected earlier this year by the Board to serve as the University’s seventh president. “Higher education today is faced with potentially extensional challenges — from decreasing populations, rising costs of education, and even the value proposition of higher education. The university, our board, and I truly embrace these challenges and the opportunity to do amazing things to accelerate the university’s impact on society and individuals.”

Peterson said, “I look forward to an exciting several years ahead under Michael’s leadership and will support him and the Board of Governors as we embrace opportunities and tackle challenges within higher education.”

Charlies E. Pompea ’71, Hon. ’06, who served as chair of the Board of Governors for the last four years, will continue as a member. “I am positive Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Peterson will continue our successful path. I also strongly believe President Jens Fredriksen is the right person to lead us to future growth and expansion. We have developed a great school spirit, and community members are proud to be Chargers.”

Ambrose is the principal partner for MH Ambrose Consulting and serves on the RBC Bearing Company board of directors. He had a 38-year career at Sikorsky Aircraft, where he held many executive roles, including chief engineer and vice president of engineering & technology.

Peterson is the founder and CEO of 4Media Central, a full-service marketing agency established in 2003. His portfolio spans various industries, including online payment processing, health and wellness, and marine services. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to several successful ventures, including the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, SD Marine LLC, and Costa Carts LLC.

Ambrose and Peterson are members of the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

About the University of New Haven

Founded on the Yale campus in 1920, the University of New Haven is a private, coeducational university of more than 9,800 students from across the globe recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report for academic excellence. The university is led by Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., an innovative higher education leader who was named the seventh president on March 1, 2024.

At the University of New Haven, we believe we have the power to change the world. Across our five academic colleges and schools, the university offers nearly 200 programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, including more than 55 STEM-designated programs and 50 dual-degree and accelerated programs.

In addition to its West Haven location, the university has campuses in Orange, Conn., and Tuscany, Italy, and access to hundreds of study abroad programs.

For more information about the University of New Haven, visit www.newhaven.edu.