Wajda, 41, had spent all of his adult life in journalism. The New Jersey native and Rowan University graduate worked at the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, N.J., before moving to the Capital Region. He joined the Times Union eight years ago and became city editor in 2002.

Wajda said he was looking forward being at the school at a time of major changes. New college President Stephen Ainlay is scheduled to take over in June.

“It's an exciting time to be at the college,” said Wajda, a Schenectady resident. “Besides the new president coming on board, there are lots of fascinating things taking place on campus.”