Sherman, Texas -- The Austin College Board of Trustees has announced the addition of its newest member, Dan Ricciardi, who serves as the Associate Vice President for Investments & Institutional Resources and Assistant Treasurer of College of the Holy Cross.
Austin College President Rebecca Cantor, who has worked with Ricciardi in the past, nominated him to the Board. “I have seen firsthand Dan’s high character and his ability to approach complex challenges with both analytical rigor and genuine empathy,” she said. “He is a collaborative, partnership-oriented leader who would be a tremendous asset to the Board of Trustees. His human-centric approach to financial leadership makes him an ideal fit for the Austin College community.”
The Austin College Board of Trustees consists of approximately 30 members who generously serve, sharing their leadership, time, and support. Membership is comprised of a broad range of professional and community leaders, including many distinguished alumni. Board members may be nominated by trustees or the President and may serve up to three four-year terms on the Board.
Scott Austin, attorney and legal consultant for L. Scott Austin, LLP in Dallas, is the current Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to welcome Dan to our Board of Trustees beginning with our 2026 fall term as we continue to move Austin College forward as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the country,” he said.
“I’m honored to join the Austin College Board of Trustees,” said Ricciardi. “I've spent my career at the intersection of financial markets and higher education, and I’ve seen firsthand that when it’s done well, it’s never just about the numbers. It’s about preparing students for rewarding careers and for full, engaged, and meaningful lives. That’s work I believe in deeply, and it’s exactly what Austin College has been doing since 1849. I’m excited to help ensure the College has the strong, sustainable financial foundation it needs to keep that experience within reach for the students who need it most, as it builds on its legacy and enters an exciting new chapter under President Cantor’s leadership.”
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
