University Names James Solodar Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning

James Solodar has been named Assistant Vice President for Budget and Planning at Montclair State University, effective June 5, 2023.

As a strategic advisor to Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Solodar will help develop modeling for new initiatives and conduct University-wide financial planning. He will also oversee the development, implementation and administration of the University’s operating and capital budgets, long-range planning, ensure that budgets are aligned with the University’s strategic plan and prepare the annual state budget submissions.

“James’s commitment to higher education and to transforming the lives of students aligns with the mission of Montclair State University,” says Koppell. “His creativity and willingness to work alongside all areas of an institution make him someone who will aid us significantly in our goal to become the model of a 21st-century, public-serving research university.”

Solodar has committed his career to helping colleges and universities fulfill their missions of serving students. Most recently, he was the University Budget Director at Seton Hall University, where he was responsible for leading annual budgeting and planning processes across nine colleges and three campuses. Prior to Seton Hall, he served as Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at The College Board and as a Senior Planner in the Office of Strategic Planning at Cornell University Medical College.

“I am excited to join Montclair State University and have the opportunity to innovate in ways that will have a transformative impact on the lives of students,” says Solodar. “We will also support faculty and staff by thinking creatively and developing strategies that will help Montclair continue to thrive and deliver its critically important mission.”

Solodar joins Montclair at an extraordinary time in its history, with record enrollment, an expanding research portfolio and increased national visibility as a public-serving research university.

“My team will be a creative group and a true partner to all areas of the institution,” he says. “I’m drawn to Montclair because of its identity as a diverse and inclusive institution, and I am eager to help the University reach its ambitious goals.”

Solodar holds a master’s degree in Public Administration (Finance) from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Swarthmore College.

For more information on the Office of Budget and Planning at Montclair State University, visit montclair.edu/budget-planning/.