President’s Newsletter

Friday, March 28, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome back to the second half of the semester, as we gear up for all of the activities of April and May, including our Diversity Conference, Scholars Day, Honors and Awards Ceremony, Donor Recognition Dinner, and the end of the academic year activities. Like you, I know that this part of the academic calendar goes by quickly, and I thank you in advance for all that you are doing to support our students, and recruit new ones.

This week I had the last of my three recent trips to Albany, this time for the quarterly SUNY Presidents Meeting. The Chancellor offered updates on SUNY’s enrollment and fiscal health, and directed us to view the recent report update.

We also talked about the federal landscape, and we were joined by Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE) who offered insights from his perspective. In addition, we had the chairs of the state higher education committees from the Assembly and the Senate join us to talk about the budget as well as higher education priorities of both houses. Later, Blake Washington, the NYS Budget Director, also offered updates. A number of the Chancellor’s senior team also provided updates on projects and priorities. While the meeting was, at times, sobering, it was also good to know that we have a strong system behind us, and the support of our Governor, legislature, and Attorney General in continuing to lead with our values.

Additional meetings this week included one to ones with Cabinet members, the Brockport University Senate meeting, a Rotary Membership Committee meeting, and a meeting with BSG leadership, as well as with my student mentee through the Leadership Program. I also met with a local donor and interviewed the final two candidates for the School of Business and Management Dean position. I had dinner with a local university president on Thursday and we discussed opportunities for collaboration. I also attended the annual Spring into Reading event with School Number 8 and Rochester Rotary. Finally, I was able to spend time with the Undergraduate Admissions office and thank them for the stellar work that they are spearheading in relation to our fall undergraduate recruitment.

This afternoon, I look forward to lunch with a fellow United Way Board member for whom I’m the board mentor, the Academic Affairs Open Forum, and a meeting with an external group focused on creative solutions to higher education issues, which was set by a fellow SUNY President. This evening, I will be attending the annual Student Art Exhibition at Tower Gallery.

I know I will see many of you at the Accepted Student Day on Saturday, and I look forward to that event. I am reminded, when looking at the forecast, that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes (with thanks to comedian Billy Connolly for this line!). At the same time, I hope for sunshine. Regardless, I’ll see you there!