Founded in 1826,SUNYFredoniaisoneof thejewelsof theSUNY system,known for itswelcomingatmosphere,outstandingfaculty, and beautiful 256-acrecampus Located in theVillageof Fredonia and theneighboringCity of Dunkirk,with acombined population of around 20,000 people,SUNYFredoniaoffersavibrant communitylife,and thesurroundingareaisfull of opportunitiesto visit and explore Fredoniaisconveniently located an hour from theBuffalo NiagaraInternational Airport and 25hoursfrom Cleveland and Pittsburgh
2,880
UNDERGRADUATEENROLLMENT 25%
356
GRADUATESTUDENT ENROLLMENT
95%
UNDERGRADUATESRECEIVED GRANTSAND SCHOLARSHIPS
$5,630,105
800
STUDENTSIDENTIFY AS BLACK,HISPANIC,ASIAN,MULTIRACIAL, NATIVEAMERICAN ORALASKAN NATIVE
? OVER? IN SCHOLARSHIPSAWARDED TO INCOMINGSTUDENTS
DEGREESAWARDED
660 BACHELOR'S,110 MASTER'S,AND 30 CERTIFICATESOFADVANCED STUDY
Onceagain,it ismyprivilegetowritetoyouand shareinformation about our endeavorsto deliver on our mission asaregional publicuniversity.I appreciatethetimethat youare devotingtoreadingthisreport,whichrecognizesand celebratestheachievementsof our students,faculty,andstaff Thank you
I celebratedmyfourthanniversaryasthepresident of SUNYFredoniathisyear! Thank youfor your support and thework wedotogether on behalf of SUNYFredonia I also celebratedmymoveback tothetraditional presidential residence,LanfordHouse As manyof youknow,myfamilyand I had tomoveout after our first year toallowfor major repairsthat wereplannedat least twoyearsprior toour arrival.I amgrateful tothosewho workedveryhardtohelp myfamilyand I moveback toour homeon campusin theVillage of Fredonia
AsI reflect on thepast year,I could not beprouder of thiscampusandthemanythings that wehaveaccomplishedtogether I amimpressed bythewayour campuscomes together torespondtochallengesaswell astakeadvantageof opportunities Thismanner of responsiveness,thewonderful students,faculty,and staff that wehave,and beingapart of SUNY,agreat systemof higher education,all assuremeeach dayof our institution?s bright futureaswecontinueaddressingthestructural deficit that hasimpactedthe universityfor morethan adecade.
Thisannual report provideshighlightscoveringtheperiod between July2023and June 2024.I continuetobein aweof thework and achievementsof thefaculty,staff,and students I am equallymovedbythecontributionsmadebyour stakeholders,donors,and friendsfor theadvancement of our university It isthiscollectiveendeavor that has yieldedsomanyaccomplishmentsdiscussedin thisreport Verycritical amongthesewas thesuccessful development and launchof anewstrategicplan - TrueBlueTransformation - that will guideour work during2023-2028period.
Theyear under reviewmarkedamoreurgent focuson strengtheningour enrollment and addressingour structural deficit.Asaresult of theinvestmentsin our staffingand infrastructureandtherealignment of our academicarray,weended theyear withavery robust plan for financial stabilitythat includedthreemain emphasisareas:Revenue generation,strategicreductionsin expenditures,and enhancedefficiencies
Asyouwill seein thisreport,theinvestmentswemadeover thelast year areyieldingpositiveresultsthat will contributetoour effortstoensurethe bright futureof SUNYFredonia Tocontinuebuildingon thissuccess,we must work diligentlyon implementingour financial stabilityplan
I will concludethisreport with several of thegoalsthat I plan topursueaswe approachour bicentennial In developingthesegoals,carewastaken toensuretheir alignment with our strategicplan aswell asSUNY?spillarsof student success, researchand scholarship,diversity,equity,and inclusion,and economicdevelopment andupwardmobility.
I want tothank all our faculty,staff,stakeholders,donors,andfriendsfor their commitment toSUNYFredonia.Manythankstoour studentsfor choosingSUNY Fredoniaastheplacetofurther their education.ThankstotheSUNYAdministration andBoard of Trusteesfor supportingour institution Thank youagain for takingthe timetoreadthisreport
Withaguidingcommitment totherecruitment and retention of students,faculty,and staff,SUNYFredonia?sstrategicplan,TrueBlueTransformation,reflectsSUNY?spromise of acutting-edgehigher education environment anditsvision,whichincludesAffordable Access,Student Success,Diversity,Equity,andInclusion,Research andScholarship,and EconomicDevelopment and Upward Mobility SUNYFredoniawill bringthesethemesto lifethrough itspriorities,mission,and vision
The2022-2023SUNYFredoniaAnnual Report concluded with an overview of Fredonia?s newstrategicplan Sinceitsapproval,aStrategicPlan Oversight Team (SPOT) was appointedtosupport thecampusand itsdivisionstobegin implementationsof theplan. Over thecourseof thisyear,thedivisional strategicplansand other areastrategicplans havebeen completed or arein progress.Additional strategicplanstofollowincludean AthleticsStrategicPlan,an AcademicMaster Plan,aMaster FacilitiesPlan,aStrategic Enrollment Management Plan,and an Information TechnologyStrategicPlan Belowisa summaryof highlightsfor eachgoal in thestrategicplan,andadditional detailsare includedthroughout thereport.
President'sVision
SUNYFredoniaisadynamicand inclusivepremier publicregional universitythat achieves optimal enrollment and financial stability.It isadestination for transformativelearning, discovery,andgrowth Fredoniaembracesdiversityand inclusivitytofoster personal, professional,and academicsuccessfor all
Goal 1:AcademicExcellence
ACADEMIC PROGRAM ALIGNMENT
Academicprogramsunderwent significant reviewand changeover thecourseof theyear, andSUNYFredoniamadethedecision todiscontinuethirteen of itsundergraduatedegree programsaspart of theeffortstoalign academicprogramswith student needsand post-graduateoutcomes At thesametime,facultymembersarecollaboratingon new academicprogramsand revisionsof academicprogramstobetter meet student needs Programshavebeen updatedwith thegoal of increasingaccesstohigh-demanddegreesin education andhaveshiftedfrom hybrid or face-to-facemodalitiestofullyonline modalities.Programsmigratingtofullyonlineformatsarerecognizedbytheprestigious SUNYOnline+designation,with theMaster of Sciencein Education in LiteracyEducation: Birth-Grade12asthelatest program toreceivethisdistinction
Another exampleof asuccessful newprogram istheMaster of Sciencein Clinical Mental HealthCounseling,aprogram that meetshigh regional demandand that hasenrolledat capacitysinceitslaunchin Spring2024 TheClinical Mental Health Counselingprogram offersstudentstheskill setsand credentialstobecomeleadersand advocatesin mental healthcounseling,adheringtonationallyrecognizedguidelinesandstandards.The program isopen toapplicantsfrom variousfields,includingpsychology,social work, education,music,and others.It offersflexibilitytopeoplewhoarecurrentlyworkingand whowish tobuildon their current career experience,aswell asthoseshiftingfocusin their career path
ENSURING ACADEMIC PROGRAM HEALTH
Thecampusbegan developingan AcademicProgramHealth Assessment Methodthrough ajoint task forcecomposedof SUNYFredoniaUniversitySenatemembersand administrators.Thisassessment method outlinesspecificcriteriausedin athree-year cycletogaugeeachundergraduatemajor?soverall healthand toguidefacultyon necessary actionstoenhanceprogram qualityand capacity In light of thecurrent national and New York Statehigher education trends,SUNYFredoniaisdedicatedtoprovidingexcellent opportunitiesfor students,ensuringthefinancial sustainabilityof itsprograms,and contributingtoadiversearrayof offeringsthat meet thechangingneedsof NewYork Statewithin theSUNYsystem.
At theendof theyear,anewjoint task forcewasproposedtocontinuebuildingon this method,includingtherecommendationsfor criteriatoevaluatethehealth of academic minors,therebyextendingtheassessment cycletoincludeall programs,both majorsand minors
Tofurther advanceassessment standardsand maintain compliancewith theMiddleStates Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE),theuniversitysuccessfullyreplaced outdated assessment softwarewith Heliocampus,which will befullyimplementedin the2024-2025 academicyear
ACADEMIC MASTER PLAN
AcademicAffairscontinuestodevelopthefinal stagesof theacademicmaster plan with a focuson programsthat will createnewin-demand liberal arts,professional,and
ENHANCING STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS, PERSISTENCE, AND COMPLETION
In September 2023,SUNYFredoniawasawardedSUNYTransformation Fundsto replicatetheAdvancingCompletion through Engagement (ACE) model,whichhad its official launchin theSpringof 2024.Agenerous$960,000 wasawardedtoimplement the
programover threeyears Thiscohort-basedprogram providesunique support in theform of morepersonalizedacademicadvising,career development preparation,prioritycourseregistration,andfinancial support for textbooks,instructional materials,transportation,and other costsof attendance.Theprogram isdemonstratinggreat success,even in itsearlystages:Thefirst cohort of 34studentshasa91%preliminaryretention rate, pendingreviewof official data,and nearly120 additional studentswereadmittedtothe Fall 2024semester with otherson awaitinglist
SUNYFredoniaisalsodedicatedtoincreasingenrollment bybecomingamore transfer-friendlyinstitution,attractingnewstudents,and enhancinglong-term retention andcompletion rateswithin theSUNYsystem Withfundingof $80,000 from theSUNY Multi-CampusTransfer Partnership Initiative,Fredoniaembarkedon thisinitiativein the Spring2024semester tobuild strongrelationshipswith itspartner institutions, particularlyJamestown CommunityCollege(JCC) and MonroeCommunityCollege,with threemain goals:
2. Implement intentional experiencesfor specialized cohortstofoster asenseof belongingfrom themoment of interest through acceptanceandregistration, focusingon increasingsocial mobilityfor underrepresentedstudents
3 Establishcollaborativerelationshipsamongfaculty,staff,and departmentsat each institution tosupport transfer students' needs,creatingmicroculturesof support that enhancestudent retention.
SUNYFredoniaintendstoexpandtheseeffortstoincludeother institutionsin future initiatives,aimingfor coordinated transfer pathwaysthat support adiversestudent population andpromoteeducational success Throughthesestrategies,theuniversity seekstocultivatelong-term partnershipsand provideasupportiveenvironment for transfer students
Goal 2:Financial Sustainabilityand Stewardship
Fredoniawill strengthen itsfinancial position toensurethat thecampuscontinuesto thriveasavibrant comprehensiveuniversity
For nearly200 years,SUNYFredoniahasbeen acrucial higher education institution servingthecommunity,New York State,and thenation Originallyateachingcollege,it hascontinuedgrowingthistradition through theCollegeof Education,Health Sciences, andHuman Servicesand hasalsoevolvedintoarenowned School of Music,an internationallyaccredited School of Business,and adiverseCollegeof Liberal Artsand Sciences,consistentlyofferingstudentsachallengingeducation in asupportive environment Recent renovationstoacademicbuildings,includingHoughton Hall andthe ScienceCenter,aimtoenhancethelearningexperienceand facilitatevaluableexperiential learningopportunities However,over thepast decade,national enrollment trendshave declined,particularlyin New York,wherethepopulation of college-agestudentshas significantlydecreased Thisenrollment declinehasresultedin financial challengesanda structural deficit,promptingSUNYFredoniatoimplement aplan focusedon revenue generation andgrowth,efficiencies,and strategicreductions.It isessential toaddressthis deficit nowtoensurestudents' best interestsand theinstitution'ssustainability
REVENUE GENERATION AND GROWTH
SUNYFredoniamust optimizeenrollment byproactivelyadjustingtheacademicarrayto bemoreresponsivetowhat studentsandtheeconomydemand Doingsowill enablethe universitytoattract morestudentswhilemaintainingthecoremission.Thisisnot anew concept for theuniversity;it ishowateachingcollegeevolvedintothediverseuniversity SUNYFredoniaistoday.Theuniversityisworkingtointroduceadditional programsthat will appeal tostudentsand prospectiveemployers
Moreover,SUNYFredoniahasstrategicallyinvested in itsMarketingandCommunications andEnrollment andAdmissionsdepartments With support from theFredoniaCollege Foundation,aVicePresident for Enrollment Management and Serviceswasappointedto overseeanewdivision focusingon enhancingrecruitment and retention strategies
TheseinitiativescollectivelyunderscoreFredonia?scommitment togrowthand revenue generation throughinnovativeeducational offerings,improved promotion of programs, andenhancedstudent recruitment and services.Recent retention effortsover thepast two
yearshaveproven successful,contributingtoafirst-year retention rateof 74.6%,surpassingthenational averageof 74.5%.Theuniversityhasalso initiatedmulti-campustransfer partnershipswith Jamestown Community College(JCC) and MonroeCommunityCollege(MCC) tostreamline student transitions Additionally,theexploration of establishingacrime labon theSUNYFredoniacampusaimstoattract studentsinterestedin criminal justice andforensicswhileprovidingvaluableinternshipopportunitiesandservicestolocal law enforcement officials.
EFFICIENCIES
Several initiativeswerestartedand continuetobeunderwaytoenhanceefficienciesat SUNYFredonia Theuniversityhasstrategicallycentralized recruitment,admission,and financial aidofficesunder onedivision with focusedleadershiptoimprovenetworkingand collaboration within andacrosstheinstitution Acomprehensivesoftwareassessment was conductedtoidentifyredundanciesand evaluatesoftwaresolutionsthat will help streamlineoperational processes.Asanother example,theFredoniaAffordability Committeewasappointedand chargedtothoroughlyreviewall scholarshipaward dollars, includingstatefundsand FredoniaCollegeFoundation Funds,and torecommend standardsand criteriafor awardingscholarshipsthat will maximizestudent accessand persistence Collectively,theseinitiativesaim toimproveservicetostudentsand support their success
Under theleadershipof theChief Information Officer,theInformation Technology Servicesareahasexperienced significant positivechanges,with ongoingprojectsfocused on promotingefficiencyand enhancingteachingand learningenvironmentswith innovativetechnology.Completed projectsincludeamajor staffingreorganization and a full migration toMicrosoft Authenticator,which laidthegroundwork for transitioningthe campusfrom aGoogletoaMicrosoft environment
Another areaidentified for improvement wasthehiringprocess After input from various stakeholdersabout their needs, theuniversitypartneredwith TheCenter for Industrial Effectiveness(TCIE) at theUniversityat Buffalofor acomprehensivestudyof its long-standinghiringproceduresandsystemsthroughout thesummer and Fall of 2023 Thiscollaboration resultedin several keyrecommendations,includingconsolidating several disjointedsystemsintoasingleintegrated system toenhanceworkflow. Implementation of theserecommendationswill commencein theupcomingacademic year
STRATEGIC REDUCTIONS
SUNYFredoniahasmadesignificant stridesin reducingexpenditureswhilestrategically investingin keyareas Theuniversitycontinuallyevaluatesall campusareasand staffing vacanciestoidentifyopportunitiesfor year-over-year savingsand tofindwaystocut back on spendingin activitiessuchastravel and other non-personnel expenditures
In thepast year,SUNYFredoniahasembarked on amoreurgent pathtowardfinancial sustainabilitybydevelopingafinancial deficit plan in partnershipwith SUNY Theprocess began with astrategicreviewof academicprograms,their respectiveenrollments,and market trends.An analysiswasconductedof enrollment and graduation ratesfor atotal of 76undergraduateprograms,and listswerecreatedof programs,usingthefollowing approach:
- Athree-year averageof graduatingstudents(years2020-2021?2022-2023) was calculated.Programswith averagegraduationsunder four wereidentified.Atotal of 23programswerelisted
- Afive-year enrollment trend(years2018-2019?2022-2023) wascalculated Programswith trendsbelowtheuniversityaveragetrend(-27.9%) wereidentified.A total of 38programswerelisted.
Thirteen programswerenotedasappearingin at least twoof theselistsand were proposedfor discontinuation.After reviewingand consideringinput from theSenate ExecutiveCommitteeand Planningand Budget Committeeover theSpring2024semester, all 13programson thelist weremovedforward for discontinuation andwill bephasedout over thenext threetofour academicyears Thoseprogramsincludethefollowing:BAArt History,BAFrench,BAFrench:AdolescenceEducation,BSIndustrial Management,BS Mathematical Sciences:MiddleChildhood,BAPhilosophy,BASociology,BASpanish,BA Spanish:AdolescenceEducation,and theBFAprogramsin Ceramics,Photography,and Sculpture.TheBSEd EarlyChildhoodprogram will alsobediscontinued,with current studentstransitioningtotheparallel EarlyChildhood/Childhooddual major
Diversity,Equity,Inclusion,Accessibility,and Belongingareimportant, interdependent componentsof everydaylifeat SUNYFredoniaandtotheinstitutional identity.Thecampusstrivestorecruit and retain adiversepopulation of employeesand studentsand cultivateawelcomingand inclusiveenvironment.
EXPANSIONS TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PROGRAMMING CAPACITY
Recognizingthat thework relatedtoTitleIXreportingneededtobedistinct from the Officeof Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion programming,SUNYFredoniaembarkedon a restructuringplan for theoffice,whichwill beimplementedin theFall 2o24semester.The reorganization will includestaffingtoaddresscomplianceprocessesand reportingwhile combiningeffortsfrom multipleofficesoverseeingcultural and diversity,equity,and inclusion programming Theseeffortswill increasethecapacityfor deliveringrich programmingand learningexperiencesfor thecampusandwill continueintothe 2024-2025academicyear
Further in thereport will beinformation about expandingprogramming,such asthefirst Martin Luther KingPresidential Commission celebration,theinaugural ALANA/Lavender Ceremony,and theannual CollingwoodDistinguished Lectureprogram.
Goal 4:WellnessandWellbeing
Fredoniaadvancesaculturethat fostersthewellbeingof adiversecampuscommunityin order toimprovetheoverall qualityof life,and theinitiativesbelowareafew examples from theyear that supported wellnessand wellbeingfor membersof thecampusand the community
Thisyear,theentireSUNYFredoniacampusand surroundingcommunitycametogether toexperienceaonce-in-a-lifetimeevent,thetotal solar eclipseon April 8,2024 Students, faculty,staff,andlocal communitymemberscelebrated thisextraordinaryphenomenon and enjoyed several activitiessuch asastudent organization maker faire,campustours, foodtrucks,tie-dyeshirtmaking,and livemusic,all fosteringan environment of camaraderieand joywhileknowingtheywerein asafelocation.Thisbegan anewtradition for SUNYFredonia,and over thecourseof thenext year,aspecial committeewill be
makingrecommendationsabout creationganewtradition for aspringgatheringevent for thecampusandmembersof thecommunity
SUNYFredoniaalsoprioritizesthewellbeingof thewholefamilywith theservicesof the CampusandCommunityChildren'sCenter,whichfocusessupport on studentswhoare parents.Thisyear,additional fundingwasawardedfrom theSUNYchildcaregrant to assist withchildcarecostsfor studentsand employees,totaling$102,465for the2023-2024 fiscal year Thecenter emphasizescollaboration with familiesandadvocatesfor children, families,andeducatorswith corevaluesof ensuringchildren'shealth,safety,and wellbeingandfosteringsocial,emotional,physical,and cognitivegrowth in anurturing environment Byvaluingtheuniquenessand dignityof everychild,family,and staff member,thecenter enhancesoverall campuslifebysupportingthediverseneedsof the Fredoniacommunity.
In Fall 2023,SUNYFredoniaestablished acommitteetodevelopastrategicplan for the AthleticsDepartment,aligningit with theuniversity'sTrueBlueTransformation initiative. Athleticsandstudent-athletesplayacrucial rolein creatingacultureof wellbeingand communityengagement,and thecommitteewaschargedwithcreatingaroadmapfor successin all sportswhiletargetingregional distinction in twotothreekeyareas The strategicplan waspresented tothecampusin Spring2024,focusingon providing student-athleteswith an exceptional academicand athleticexperiencein NCAADivision III,prioritizingwellbeing,diversity,gender equity,sportsmanship,and excellence.
Additionally,SUNYFredoniawasawardedan allocation of $720,400 in SUNYOngoing Moniestosupport vital initiativesaddressingstudent needs,includingfoodinsecurity support,graduatestudent worker fees,mental health support,assistancefor studentswith disabilities,andinternshipopportunitysupport Thesefundsareinstrumental in ensuring that all studentshaveaccesstoessential resourcesthat promotetheir wellnessand academicsuccess
Theseinitiativesreflect SUNYFredonia'scommitment topromotingwellness,fosteringa safeandsupportivecommunity,andenhancingtheoverall qualityof campuslifefor all
Goal 5:DistinctiveIdentity
SUNYFredoniawill establish areputation andidentityasaregional leader in student successthrough scholarship,artisticexpression,communityengagement,and entrepreneurship.
DISTINCTIVE IDENTITY STATEMENT
Built on acomprehensiveliberal artsfoundation,SUNYFredoniaisrecognizedfor its commitment toexperiential learningand academicexploration AsSUNYFredonia aspirestoexcel in interdisciplinary,high-impact learningand leadership opportunities? on campus,online,and throughout thecommunity? it continuestobea dynamicinstitution,leadingstudentstofollowtheir passions,plans,and pathswherever theygo.
On April 22,Chancellor John B King,Jr visitedtheSUNYFredoniacampus,conducting meetingsthat brought together adedicatedgroup of studentsand faculty TheJewett Hall renovation project wasshowcased,demonstratingoneof manyinitiativestocentralize several student serviceareastosupport student success.Additionally,Chancellor King engagedwith leadersfrom theStudent Association and theUniversitySenateExecutive Committee,and hehad aprivatetour of StoriesfromtheArchives:PaulKlopfer,theBauhaus, andtheNazisexhibit,whichfeatured artifactsfrom theRobert RiePapersthat were curatedbystudentsin ahistoryclass Thevisit culminatedin theprestigiouspresentation of theNorman R McConney,Jr ,EOPStudent ExcellenceAwardtothe2024recipient
On July17,Chancellor Kingreturned totheSUNYFredoniacampustotour thefacilities andview activitiesof theNewYork StateSummer School for theArts,NYSSSA,and to offer openingremarkstotheparticipantsof theNASAGLOBEprogram panel on ?The Futureof ClimateEducation ?HewasaccompaniedbySUNYBoard of TrusteeEunice Lewin,New York StateSenator GeorgeBorrello,and NewYork StateSenator Sean Ryan.
VISIT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
SUNYFredoniawashonoredtohost Governor KathyHochul on campuson June3,2024, when sheannouncedthereleaseof $74million in fundingfor anewBrooks-TLCHospital facility,which will belocated in thevillageof Fredonia TheCOVID-19pandemicdelayed theproject,and thisfundingand thepartnershipbetween Brooks-TLCand KaleidaHealth representsasignificant investment in healthcarefor theregion,whichhasseen manyrural facilitiescloseduetofinancial strain.Thenewhospital will ensurereliablemedical access for thelocal communityand isexpectedtoattract economicinvestmentsandenhance SUNYFredonia?sabilitytorecruit studentsand staff Theannouncement highlighted support from variousstakeholders,includinguniversityleadership,KaleidaHealth, communitymembers,and theAFL-CIOWNYAreaLabor Federation,all of whom advocatedfor thehospital'sdevelopment.Governor Hochul'scollaboration andtheefforts of her officearegreatlyappreciatedfor makingthismomentousoccasion possible.
Rankings& Accreditation
SUNYFredonia?stradition of excellencehascontinuedin the2023-2024academicyear, continuingtobeamongthetop25for 34consecutiveyearswith itsrankingof 23rdin the categoryof ?TopPublicUniversitiesin theNorth ?Thiscategoryincludesnearly200 four-year universitiesacross11states:Connecticut,Delaware,Maine,Maryland, Massachusetts,NewHampshire,New Jersey,New York,Pennsylvania,RhodeIsland,and Vermont SUNYFredoniarosein therankingsto69th in thelarger categoryof publicand privateinstitutionsin theNorth,rankingin thetop tier of ?Best Regional Universities.? Thiscategoryincludesinstitutionsthat offer primarilybachelor?sand master?sdegree programsandcomparestheinstitutionson aset of 15measuresof academicquality.
Another improvement in rankingsincludedthe55th placeamongthetopSUNY universitieslistedin thecategoryof ?Best ValueUniversitiesin theNorth,?which considersboththecost of attendanceand academicquality
TheU S Newsrankingsareaclear exampleof SUNYFredoniacontinuingtoprovidea world-classeducation anddemonstratetheoutstandingwork donebyFredonia'sfaculty andstaff.Fredoniaoffersremarkableeducational opportunitiesand isadestination for prospectivestudents.
Additional recognition includedplacement in thecategoriesof UndergraduateBusiness Programs,UndergraduateComputer SciencePrograms,and UndergraduatePsychology Programs.
SOCIAL MOBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY
Fredoniaislistedasatopperformer on social mobilitybyenrollingand graduatinglarge proportionsof studentsawardedPell Grants It climbedupby21placestothe47th spot in the?TopPerformerson Social Mobility?
ACCREDITATION
SUNYFredoniahasbeen amember of theMiddleStatesCommission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since1952.In addition toinstitutional accreditation through MSCHE,several academicprogramshaveprogram-specificaccreditation from the followingorganizations:
PROGRAMMATIC ACCREDITATION
- Association toAdvanceCollegiateSchoolsof Business(AACSB)
- Association for AdvancingQualityin Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
- American Chemical Society(ACS)
- American Speech-Language-HearingAssociation (ASHA)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- National Association of Schoolsof Art and Design (NASAD)
Theplan will ensurethat theuniversityisofferingan appropriatearrayof academic programsthat isin demand bystudentsand will meet theneedsof theeconomyand the Stateof NewYork.
AREASOFDISTINCTION AND EXCELLENCE
Fredoniacelebratesthework of itsfacultyteaching,scholarshipand creativeworks throughan annual reception and showcaseof theaccomplishmentsof theoutstanding facultywhowork at Fredonia.The2023publication,FacultyResearch,Scholarship,and CreativeActivity,isaclear demonstration of thequalityof work andcommitment of the facultyat SUNYFredoniatoadvancingteaching,research,creativity,innovation,and service
Alsoimportant,SUNYFredoniafacultyencourageand engagestudentsin their scholarly andcreativework andsupport them in attendingprofessional conferences,which offersa distinction toFredoniadegreeprogramsand opportunitiesthat wouldotherwisenot be available.Thefacultyof SUNYFredoniadeserverecognition for thisexcellent work and impressiveachievements
InterdisciplinaryEngagement
STUDENT RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES RECOGNIZED
Theundergraduateresearch expo,organized bytheOfficeof Student CreativityActivity andResearch (OSCAR),sawanotable25percent increasein submissionscompared tolast year,resultingin over 100 presentations,musical performances,anddramaticdisplays from variousprogramsand majorsat SUNYFredonia.Theevent featured 72poster
presentations,32workshops,and engagedmorethan 150 student presenters.Faculty support wasrobust,with 62membersservingasmentors.Seven undergraduatestudents werealsoawardedtheNASCAUndergraduateAwardtopursueresearch in thecoming year TheMentoringtheFutureAwardwaspresentedfor thefirst time,honoring exceptional K-12teachersnominatedbycurrent students Twentyhigh school students from thisyear'sawardrecipient participated in theexpo,emphasizingtheimportanceof mentorshipin developingfuturescholars,researchers,and artists
HONORS PROGRAM
TheFredoniaHonorsProgramconnectsacademicallymotivated studentstomeaningful opportunitiestolearn,lead,and livewith like-mindedindividuals.Honorsstudentshave won prestigiousnational awardsand fellowships(eg,theNational Institutesfor Health Post-BaccalaureateResearch Fellowship,theBarryGoldwater Scholarship),haveearned competitiveentrytotopgraduateprograms(eg,Columbia,MIT),and arestrongly representedamongtherecipientsof theChancellor?sand LanfordAwards.
Honorsstudentsdevelop their professional competenciesandleadershipskillsby engagingin interdisciplinary,upper-level coursework and special programs.Thisyear, Honorsstudentsparticipatedin several professional development workshops,servedon theFredoniaCollegeFoundation Board,presentedmentored research at OSCAR, completedinternshipsand study-abroadexperiences,andserved ase-boardmembersof student clubs,Greek Lifeorganizations,and student-athletes
WRITERS@WORK SERIES
Founded2015,Writers@Work isan alumni writers-in-residenceseriesthat aimsto broaden student awarenessof writing's value,foster connectionsbetween alumni and students,andsupport student career readinesswhilecelebratingalumni achievements Over atwo- or three-dayperiod,alumni participatein publictalks,workshops,writing critiques,andQ&Asessionswith an emphasison theimportanceof writingfor professional successand itsimpact on society.Theseriesissponsored bytheCarnahan Jackson HumanitiesFundof theFredoniaCollegeFoundation,theFacultyStudent Association,andtheAlumni Association and organizedbymultipleofficesand colleges
Sinceitsfounding,W@W haswelcomed47alumni writers,organized 237events,and connectedwithover 3,650 students,faculty,staff,and communitymembers Featured alumni in 2023-24included:
- Karl Holz(BusinessAdministration,?73),senior adviser at McKinsey& Company anda22-year veteran of theWalt DisneyCompany,emphasizedtheimportanceof personal presenceandinternal communication
- Jeff James(Communication:MediaStudies,?91),Director of A&R- Legacy Recordings/Commercial MusicGroup at SonyMusicEntertainment,and Anthony Casuccio(Sound RecordingTechnology,?91),Founder & Principal SoundEngineer of Xtream AudioMastering,President of theBuffaloMusicHall of Fame,andthe Co-founder of BuzzRecords,offered musicindustrymasterclassesaswell as sessionson networking,resumewriting,andwritingprofessionswithin themusic industry.
- EmileeStenson (Molecular Genetics,?21),arecent Post-BaccalaureateResearch Fellowat theNational Institutesfor Health andacurrent medical student at Jacobs School of Medicine& Bio-medical Sciences(JSMBS),Universityat Buffalo,shared theinnovativeinterdisciplinarywork shebegan in themedical humanitieswhilestill an undergraduatestudent at SUNYFredonia.
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY PROJECT
Establishedin 2003,SUNYFredoniaisaproudfoundingmember of theAmerican DemocracyProject (ADP),whichcomprisesover 300 statecollegesand universities dedicatedtofosteringinformedand engagedcitizens TheADPaimstoequip college graduateswiththenecessaryknowledge,skills,and experiencestoactivelyparticipatein their communitiesand democracy.
The2023-24programwelcomed several keynotespeakers,panels,voter registration drives, andother eventstohelp educatestudentsabout civicengagement and participatory democracy,encouragingthem tobecomeinformedvoterswhounderstandthesignificance of voter participation.Current initiativesincludeenhancingstudent civicand information literacyin onlineenvironments,exploringsolutionsfor economicinequality,and preparingstudentstobegloballycompetent citizens
International Learning
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
For theyear under review,SUNYFredoniawelcomed30 newincominginternational students,markingthelargest incominggroupin over adecade.Thisdiversecohort representsnearlyeverycontinent,andcountrieswith leadingrepresentation include CanadaandIndia,with other studentsfrom China,France,Germany,Japan,Malaysia, Mexico,SouthAfrica,SouthKorea,Syria,andTaiwan Themost popular majorsinclude BusinessAdministration,Computer Science,Speech-LanguagePathology,and Music Performance.In total,ninestudentsarerepresented in theInternational Pathway Program,EnglishasaSecond Language(ESL) program,further enrichingtheuniversity?s cultural landscape
FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE
Dr.MiroslawaWielopolska-Szymura,adistinguished Polishjournalism and mediaprofessor,joinedSUNYFredoniaasaFulbright Scholar in Residence for theSpring2024semester Asan AssociateProfessor at theUniversityof Silesia,shehasbeen theDeputyDirector of theJournalism andSocial Communication programsince2020 Duringher residency,shetaught twocourses:?TheImageof Journalismin Film?and ?Propagandaand Manipulation asaSecurityThreat,?both aimed at Communication,PublicRelations,and Journalismmajorsandopen toall upper-level students
Her scholarshipfocuseson combatingdisinformation andfakenews,which arerelevant topicsin today?smedialandscape Dr Wielopolska-Szymurahascollaborated with theU S Embassyandisan activeEuropean Academyof Robert Schuman Foundation member
SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS ABROAD
SUNYFredoniastudentsenjoyanumber of short-term studyabroadoptionsover the summer andwinter sessions.
Asoneexample,eachsummer,studentsimmersethemselvesin theart andcultureof Florence,studyingRenaissancemasterpiecesand exploringcitieslikeSienaand Cinque Terre.Participantsjournal about their experiencesand reflect on theimpact of their experienceswith historical art whilealsofosteringadeeper appreciation for Italian life throughgroup mealsand cultural interactions
Another exampleistheFredoniaChamber Choir?ssummer program includingthreesingingensemblesperformedover aweek-longtour of London in historicvenues Alongsidefacultyand alumni,theyvisited renownedattractionssuch asWindsor Castle,Westminster Abbey,andBig Ben.Thetripincludedperformancesof American musicat significant cathedrals,alongwith opportunitiesfor choir exchanges.Thetour covered iconicsiteslike Trafalgar Square,St Paul?sCathedral,and theTower of London
SUMMER INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY VISITING STUDENTS
In July,SUNYFredonia'sInternational PathwayProgramin coordination with Kanda Universityof International Studies,hosted14highschool studentsfrom Japan for a cultural and educational exploration program.Thejunior and senior studentsfrom YachiyoShoin High School participated in academicEnglish classeswhilealsodiscovering Western NewYork'sattractions,includingtheGreystoneNaturePreserveand Dunkirk Lighthouse Theyenjoyedvariouscommunityevents,suchastheMusicin thePark and Musicon thePier series,and engagedin activitieslikeflytyingand fishingin Amish country
On campus,theyparticipatedin an African drumminglesson,and attendedworkshopson publicspeaking,universityadmissions,and student success SUNYFredoniastudents guidedcampustours,conducteddancelessons,and accompaniedthegroupon other cultural excursions.
Collegeof Liberal ArtsandSciences
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CELEBRATES 60 YEARS
DuringHomecomingweekend,SUNYFredoniawelcomedalumni and emeritusfaculty from theDepartment of Geologyand Environmental Sciencestocelebrateits60-year history.Distinguished alumnusReginal Spiller,Classof 1974,washonored with the FredoniaAlumni Association?sOutstandingAchievement Award.Spiller delivered two lectures:"RareEarth Elementsin Pennsylvanian Aged Coal Deposits"and"Conductinga RadiometricSurveyin an OffshoreUnitedNationsProjectedBiosphere,GuineaBissau, West Africa" Theanniversaryactivitiesincludedtoursof thenewlyrenovatedHoughton Hall facilities,alongwith student and facultypresentations
SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS AND FACULTY-STUDENT RESEARCH
Thecollegeinstitutedseveral summer researchfellowshipstosupport student work Fundsfor thesefellowshipscomefrom endowmentsoverseen bythedean'sofficeand support continuedcollaborationsbetween theuniversityand theVillageof Fredonia Totaling$4,000 per fellowship,thepositionsweredistributedamongtheNatural Sciences,Arts& Humanities,andSocial & QuantitativeSciences.
In addition tothesenewfellowshipsfor undergraduateresearchers,SUNYFredonia's Department of Biologymadeanotableimpact at theannual North American Lake Management Society(NALMS) symposium,attended byapproximately450 participants, includingfaculty,students,government agencyresearchers,lakemanagement experts, non-profit organizations,and industryprofessionals Theevent facilitatedvaluable networkinganddiscussionson lakemanagement science
Financial support for student participation wasprovidedbytheHolmbergFoundation andtheJosephand Jane(Schuster) FalconeBiologyEndowment,contributingtothe mission of NALMStofoster partnershipsfor lakemanagement and protection.
SUNY FACULTY ADVISORY COUNCIL ON TEACHING AND TECHNOLOGY (FACT2) AWARD
Dr Susan Spangler from theDepartment of EnglishwasawardedtheFacultyAdvisory Council on Teachingand Technology(FACT2) ExcellenceAwardfor Excellencein Instruction at StateOperatedor StatutoryCampus
TheSUNYFacultyAdvisoryCouncil on Teachingand Technology(FACT2) hasfostered collaboration amongSUNYcampusesfor nearlythreedecadesand highlightsSUNY's commitment toleveragingtechnologytoenhanceeducation accessibilityand quality. Awardrecipientsreceivefreeregistration for theSUNYConferenceon Instruction & Technology(CIT) and areinvitedtosharetheir achievementsat theevent,which promotesdialogueon instructional technologyamongSUNYcolleagues
Collegeof Education, HealthSciences, and Human Services
LAUNCH OF CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM
In responsetoagrowingdemandfor qualifiedclinical mental healthcarecounselors, SUNYFredoniaintroducedanewmaster?sdegreein Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) toaddresstheincreasingneedfor qualified counselors.Theprogram'sfirst cohort began in theSpring2024semester after virtual open housesin November and December TheCMHCprogram offersalow-residencyhybridformat,allowingworking professionalstomaintain employment whilepursuingtheir degree,with coursework completedpartlyonlineand through in-person sessions
Designedtoensurethat thegraduatesleavetheprogram asbothadvocatesandasleaders, thecurriculumalignswith national standardsand comprises63creditscoveringvarious essential topics,includingtrauma-informedcareand groupwork Graduateswill be qualifiedfor NewYork Statelicensure,openingdoorstovariouscareer opportunitiesin publicandprivatecounselingagenciesand other settings
ChautauquaCounty,designated asaHealth Resources& ServicesAdministration Health Professional ShortageArea,facessignificant challengesin termsof health careand mental healthcareaccessand access,andthisprogram isavital step towardexpandingaccessto mental healthresourcesin thearea.Additionally,SUNYFredoniaplanstoestablisha familycounselingclinicon campusby2025,equippingstudentswith practical trainingin a real-worldsetting Theprogram'slaunchreflectsFredonia'scommitment toenhancing mental healthcareand education within thecommunity
EDUCATION GRADUATES EXCEEDING NYS PASS RATES
Duringtheevaluation period,New York State'spassratefor Teacher Certification exams was86%,whileSUNYFredoniaachievedan impressiveoverall passrateof 91%.Notably, MusicEducation majorsachievedaperfect passrateof 100%on theMusicContent SpecialtyTest (30 out of 30),and InclusiveEducation majorsalsodemonstrated excellencewitha100%passrateon theStudentswith Disabilities(SWD) Content SpecialtyTest (16out of 16) All studentsapplyingfor Initial Teacher Certification in any content areawererequiredtotaketheEducatingAll Students(EAS) test,in which SUNY Fredoniastudentsattained aremarkable99%passrate(137out of 139).In addition to monitoringtest resultsfor program completers,theCollegeof Education,Health,and Sciences(COEHSHS) wasresponsiblefor trackingandreportingenrollment and academic statusfor all undergraduateand graduatestudentspursuinganyform of NYSEDTeacher Certification or Professional Licensure Thisencompassedall AdolescenceEducation majorsin theCollegeof Liberal ArtsandSciences,MusicEducation majorsin theSchool of Music,andEarlyChildhood,Childhood,InclusiveEducation,Communication DisordersandSciences,SpeechPathology,and Audiologymajorsin COEHSHS.Thisyear, theyreportedinformation for 1,018enrolledstudents,reflectingunprecedenteddiversity
NASA GLOBE CONFERENCE
SUNYFredonia?scampushostedtheannual meetingof NASAGLOBE,an international scienceandeducation program aimed at enhancingscientificliteracyand fostering connectionsamongenvironmental enthusiasts.ThemeetingwasledbySUNY
DistinguishedTeachingProfessor Michael Jabot,whohasbeen involvedwith GLOBE since1998,andwhohasbeen recentlyappointed astheDeputyDirector for Education for theGLOBEImplementation Office Withafocuson sharingdevelopment initiatives amongtheorganization?s127membersand planningfuturepartnerships,most in attendanceweregovernment officialswith connectionstoeducation andwhoareserving asthecountrycoordinatorsfor theprogram.Themeetingalsodrew around20 NASA representatives,includingtheNASAAssociateDirector for ScienceResearch.
In addition tothemeeting,SUNYFredonia'sCollegeLodgefacilitatedoutreachactivities for 60 international students.Dr.Jabot emphasizedthecampus'ssuitabilityfor thisyear's theme,"TheYear of Climateand Carbon," duetoitsproximitytotheGreat Lakesand NiagaraFalls Thismeetingwassignificant asit wasthefirst timeSUNYFredoniahosted theNASAGLOBEprogram?sannual meeting,providingauniqueopportunityfor the campuscommunity
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION AWARD
Twofacultymembersfrom SUNYFredonia'sCollegeof Education,Health Sciences,and Human Serviceswereco-recipientsof an awardfrom TheInternational Research Foundation for EnglishLanguageEducation (TIRF) Professor KateMahoneyand
AssociateProfessor Karen Lillie,alongwith alumna,NatalieDuBois(Classof 2021) and threeco-authors,receivedtheTIRF2024JamesE AlatisPrizefor their study, ?Castañeda?sThird ProngRedux:TheAchievement of Arizona?sEnglish Language Learnersafter Proposition 203?
Therecipientshighlightedtheimportanceof theresearch in addressingrestrictive languagepoliciesaffectingmultilingual studentsandwill incorporatethestudy'sfindings in bilingual education courses.Theawardeeswererecognizedat theTESOL International Convention & Expoand donatedtheir cashprizetohelpbuildabilingual libraryin a Connecticut classroom.
School of Business
AACSB ACCREDITATION
SUNYFredonia?sSchool of Businesshassuccessfullyreneweditsaccreditation from the Association toAdvanceCollegiateSchoolsof Business(AACSB) International for its degreeprogramsin Accounting,PublicAccountancy,BusinessAdministration,Finance, Management,and Marketing.Dean of theSchool of Business,Dr.KaustavMisra emphasizedthat maintainingthisprestigiousaccreditation reflectstheschool?s
FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ANALYTICS CONFERENCE
TheSchool of Businesssuccessfullyorganizedthefirst annual International Business AnalyticsConferencein May2023,attracting189attendees Theconferenceaimed to createaplatformconnectingacademicandindustryinsightsin businessand dataanalytics throughacademia-industrypartnerships,fosteringcollaboration and meaningful discussionsamongpractitionersand scholarson current trendsin variousfieldssuchas Accounting,BusinessManagement,Computer Science,Economics,and Healthcare.The event featured 12tracksfor academicpresentationsand welcomed submissionson numeroustopics,includingdata-driven decision-making,predictiveanalytics,artificial intelligenceapplications,bigdata,businessintelligence,supplychain analytics,and data privacy.
Theconferencehighlightedthreeesteemedkeynotespeakers:Karl Holz,former President of DisneyCruiseLineand current McKinseyAdvisor,sharedinsightsintoorganizational cultureand strategicoperations.LindaPowell,Headof DataGovernanceat Bank of NY Mellon,providedperspectivesfrom her extensivefinancebackground.Microsoft TechnologyStrategist andpart-timeprofessor at Boston University,ChrisSeferlis,offered ablendof theoretical and practical viewson datastrategy,further enrichingthe conferenceexperience ThreeFiresidechatsprovideddeeper engagement on pressing industrytopics.Theconferencewasmadepossiblethrough thegeneroussupport of 13 major sponsors,Fastenal,M&T Bank,BS&PCPAsand Consultants,ChooseCHQ,
Cengage,Lawley,LawOfficesof SheilaStarkeyHahn,TimothyMurphyand Rachel Foley, JosephA.Cerrie,Universityof Rochester Center of Excellencein DataScience,JosephT. Piede,CCESoftware,Inc.,and theNorthern ChautauquaCountyCommunityFoundation.
SHARK TANK COMPETITION FOR HIGH SCHOOL ENTREPRENEURS
Theinaugural Shark Tank highschool competition welcomedlocal high school studentsto theSUNYFredoniacampus,wheretheypitchedoriginal businessmodelstoapanel of judges Each student teamhad 10 minutestopresent their ideas,facingapanel composed of local businessleadersand SUNYFredoniafaculty Thecompetition aimed toinspire innovation andentrepreneurship amongstudents.Ultimately,thetopthreeteamswere awardedtheopportunitytocollaboratewith theSUNYFredoniaCenter for Innovation andEconomicDevelopment asEntrepreneursin Residence,allowingthem tofurther developtheir proposals Thisevent fosteredcreativityand providedvaluablereal-world experiencefor aspiringyoungentrepreneurs
WILLIAMS VISITING PROFESSORSHIP
TheWilliamsVisitingProfessorshipisagenerousendowment in theFredoniaCollege Foundation establishedin 1998byKirk and NancyWilliams.Thefundassiststhecampus withinvitingandhostingindividualswhodemonstrateexcellencein their disciplineor profession andwhoseachievementstranscendasinglefieldof study Whilein residence, Theendowedfundheld bytheFredoniaCollegeFoundation wasestablishedin 1998by Kirk andNancyWilliams Thepurposeof thefundistobringtocampusindividualswho arenotedfor excellencein disciplineor profession and whohavedemonstrated achievement that transcendsasinglefieldof study.
The2023-2024WilliamsVisitingProfessorshipsupported Tim Donahue,an innovative musician whoresidesin Japan and isknown for creatingfretlessand frettedelectricharp guitars.Hisuniqueinstrumentsproducethesound of multipleinstruments simultaneously,reflectingafour-decadecareer asamulti-instrumentalist,composer,and producer Duringhistwo-monthresidencyasaWilliamsVisitingProfessor,Donahue deliveredaseriesof lectures,engagedwith faculty,and providedpresentationsexploring business,cultural,and social normsrelatedtoJapan.Hespoketostudentsin Music IndustryandSport Management classes,and met with School of Businessfaculty.The residencyculminatedin acommunitylectureand performancetitled?Japan?sInfluenceon myLifeandMusic?Agraduateof BerkleeCollegeof Musicand an esteemedartist in Japan,Donahuehad previouslyperformed in Western NewYork,contributingtothe
vibrant musical community Hiswork hasbeen recognizedbyBillboardandJazziz magazines,celebratinghiscontributionstocontemporarymusicinnovation
School of Music
SOREL VISITING ARTIST
TheSorel organization hasawardedtheFredoniaSchool of Musicathree-year grant to welcome artistsof international distinction tocampusfor awidevarietyof interactive eventswith studentsand faculty,which areopen tothepublic
Dr ValerieColeman,an internationallyacclaimed composer and flutist,servedasthe secondClaudetteSorel VisitingArtist at SUNYFredonia Her residencyspannedfrom October 12to14,2023,with aspringsegment scheduledfor April 25to27,2024 Duringher residency,Coleman participatedin apanel discussion on women in music,presented a chamber musicrecital,offered insightstostudent composers,and concluded with a performanceof her work "Umoja,Anthem for Unity" bytheFredoniaCollegeSymphony.
Renownedasoneof the"Top35Women Composers" byTheWashington Post and awardedPerformanceToday?s2020 Classical Woman of theYear,Coleman iscelebrated for her innovativecontributionstoclassical music.Coleman hascollaborated with major artistsandreceivednumerouscommissions,notablybecomingthefirst African American woman commissionedbythePhiladelphiaOrchestraand theMetropolitan Opera
DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE STUDENT MUSIC AWARD
For athird year in arow,and thefourthtotal award since2019,theSUNY FredoniaJazzStudiesprogram achievedsignificant recognition when its JazzFlextet won theDownBeat MagazineStudent MusicAwardfor the UndergraduatePop/Rock/BluesGroup AssociateProfessor Nick Weiser highlightedthat winningthecategoryoutright distinguishesthisachievement,elevatingtheprogram amongnotableconservatoriesliketheManhattan School of Music,and heemphasized the competitivenatureof theawards,whichshowcaseprogram excellenceregardlessof institutional size
FREDONIA CHAMBER CHOIR AWARDED AMERICAN PRIZE
TheSUNYFredoniaChamber Choir secured secondplacein the2023American Prize competition for Choral Performancein theCollege/Universitydivision (larger program) Comprising24auditionedsingersfrom theuniversity,thechoir actsasamusical and cultural ambassador for theFredoniaSchool of Music,specializingin advanced choral repertoire.Dr.Vernon Huff isthedirector of Choral Activitiesand associateprofessor of Choral MusicEducation
NEW YORK STATE TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
SUNYFredoniaalumnusZachary"Zach" Arenz,'10,'12,washonored astheNewYork StateTeacher of theYear for hiswork at Flower CitySchool 54in Rochester.Heearnedhis Bachelor of MusicandMaster of Musicdegreesin MusicEducation at Fredonia,and he
previouslytaught musicin Sweden for grades7to9,focusingon mentoring studentstopreparefor highschool andcareer opportunities.Mr.Arenzis notedfor hisdedication and innovativeapproaches,includingamusic enrichment programfor grievingstudentsand maintaininga?Community Closet?toprovidepersonal careitemsfor studentsin need
EMMY AND GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS
SUNYFredoniaboastsdistinguished alumni whohaveachievednotablerecognition in the musicindustry Steve?Major?Giammaria,Classof 2006,earnedtwoEmmyAwardsfor OutstandingSoundEditingand OutstandingSoundMixingfor ?TheBear.?Additionally, RandyMerrill,Classof 1997,received aGrammyasamasteringengineer for Taylor Swift's ?Midnights," whichwon Albumof theYear Merrill hasgarnered atotal of 26Grammy nominationsand ninewinsthroughout hiscareer Classof 1998alumnusCharliePost also celebratedGrammysuccess,winningin thecategoryof Best EngineeredAlbum Nicole Zuraitis,aguest artist at theFredoniaJazzFestival,secured aGrammyfor Best JazzVocal Albumfor ?HowLoveBegins.?
Theseachievementsexemplifytheexceptional talent anddedication of SUNYFredonia alumni in thefieldsof soundrecordingand musicperformance,contributingsignificantly toboththeir communitiesand thebroader industry.
Chancellor'sAwardsfor Excellence
TheChancellor'sAwardsfor ExcellenceareSystem-level honorsconferredtoacknowledgeandproviderecognition for consistently superior professional achievement and toencouragetheongoingpursuit of excellence TheChancellor awardedthefollowingawardsfor excellencetoFredoniaemployees.Theseawards,alongwith their certificatesand medallions,werepresentedtofacultyand staff recipients duringthefall campusmeeting.
- Chancellor?sAwardfor Excellencein Adjunct Teaching,Rachel Kerr,Adjunct Lecturer in theDepartment of Communication
- Chancellor?sAwardfor Excellencein Adjunct Teaching,TiffanyNicely,Adjunct Lecturer in theSchool of Music
- Chancellor'sAwardfor Excellencein Teaching, Heather McEntarfer,AssociateProfessor,Department of English
- Chancellor?sAwardfor Excellencein Teaching,Roslin Smith,AssociateProfessor,Department of English
- Chancellor'sAwardfor Excellencein Research,Scholarship,and CreativeWorks,ThomasHegna,AssociateProfessor,Department of GeologyandEnvironmental Sciences
- Chancellor'sAwardfor Excellencein Professional Service, Lynn Bowers,Director of Student Accounts
SUNYFredonia'sProfessor TimothyFrerichsfrom theDepartment of Visual ArtsandNew Mediawaspromotedtotheprestigiousrank of SUNYDistinguished Professor,an honor bestowedbytheSUNYBoardof Trusteesfor facultyachievingnational or international prominence An expert in printmaking,artist books,and paper arts,Frerichsisrenowned for hisinnovativeuseof natural materialsand commitment tosociallyrelevant art.His work hasbeen exhibitedglobally,includingin Lithuania,Turkey,and Italy,and isheldin thepermanent collectionsof 14museumsworldwide Frerichshasreceived over 20 honors andgrants,includingtwoFulbright scholarships Recently,hewasawardedaNew York StateArtist Project grant for hisproject ?Waterways?and heldasoloexhibition at AnadoluUniversityin Turkey Hehasalsoparticipated in an ErasmusFacultyexchange withtheVilniusAcademyof Arts Frerichshasbeen aSUNYFredoniafacultymember since2006,earningmultipleaccoladesfor hisresearch,creativity,and teachingexcellence.
President?sAward for Excellencein University Citizenship, Scott Saunders, Registrar
Thisawardrecognizesindividualswhocontributetheir serviceand talent freelyand enthusiasticallyaboveand beyondwhat thejobdescription requires Theseindividuals work tirelesslytoadvanceasenseof communityand achievement of theoverall goalsof theuniversity.
President?sAward for Excellencein Mentorship, Rhonda Gominiak, AdministrativeAssistant, Financeand Administration
Thisawardrecognizesindividualswhodemonstratenot onlytheir willingnesstoshare their knowledge,skills,and expertisewith others,but alsotheeffectivenessof their mentorshiprolethrough asustainedand positiveimpact on others.
President?sAward for Excellencein Recruitment and/or Retention, Paul Starcher, GraduateAdmissionsCounselor
All facultyand staff havearoletoplay,in enrollment and retention,directlyor indirectly. Thisawardrecognizesthework of individualswhoendeavor beyond thetypical expectationsfor attractingand retainingstudentsat SUNYFredonia
President?sAward for Excellencein Service tothe University, Jim Owen, ClarenceCommunity Pantry
Thisawardisreserved for honoringdistinguished membersof thecommunityand beyond whohavecontributed toSUNYFredonia.Thisawardprovidesan opportunityfor SUNY Fredoniatosay,?thank you?tosomeof thecampus?sclosest supporterswhodemonstrate sincereand sustained interest in supportingSUNYFredonia
Other SUNY Fredonia Recognitions
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN AWARD
MarkusKessler receivedthe2024Daniel Patrick Moynihan Awardfrom theAmerican Instituteof Architects(AIA) New York State,recognizinghissignificant contributionsto publicarchitecture NominatedbytheSUNYConstruction Fund,Kessler was acknowledgedfor overseeingapproximately120 construction projectsat SUNYFredonia, valuedat over $430 million Hiscareer at SUNYFredoniahasspannednearly25years, beginningasAssistant FacilitiesPlanner in 1999,becomingDirector of FacilitiesPlanning in 2001,andlater achievingSenior Staff Associatestatus Kessler'sleadershipin major renovation andnewconstruction projectsincludessignificant facilitiessuchasMaytum Hall andtheScienceCenter.Hismeticulousapproachtoarchitectural design waspraised bycolleagues,highlightinghiscommitment tointegratingprojectswith Fredonia's architectural vision Kessler alsocontributed tocampuslifethrough facilities enhancementsandservedasamentor for studentsat AlfredState?sArchitectureand Design Department.Previously,hereceivedtheSUNYChancellor?sAwardfor Excellence in Professional Servicein 2016.
KASLING MEMORIAL LECTURE AWARD
Theannual KaslingMemorial Lectureat SUNYFredoniahonorsRobert W.Kasling,a geographyprofessor known for hisintegrityand scholarshipfrom 1946to1966 Each year, afacultymember isinvitedtoshareinsightsintotheir research,broadeningthecampus andcommunity'sunderstandingof scholarshipat theuniversity TheKaslingAward,a prestigioushonor establishedover thirtyyearsago,permitsrecipientstopresent their scholarlyandcreativeintereststoageneral audience,promotingscholarlydialogueamong facultyandstudents
Therecipient of the2023KaslingMemorial LectureAwardwasDr.Juan DeUrdaAnguita, aProfessor of WorldLanguagesandCultures.Hisresearch specializesin Spanishculture andliterature,particularlyfrom theearly20thcenturyandAfro-Hispanicliterature,with a focuson themesof historical memoryin thecontext of theSpanish Civil War
HAGAN YOUNG SCHOLAR/ ARTIST AWARD
Theannual William T.and CharlotteN.Hagan YoungScholar/Artist Award honorsindividualsfor outstandingrecent achievementsin research or creativity Named after William T Hagan,an esteemed scholar of American Indian history,theawardrecognizeshislegacyand commitment toscholarlyactivityand humanevalues Established in 1987,it isopen tofacultymembersbelowtherank of Full Professor,and awardeesarepubliclyrecognizedduringthefall KaslingMemorial Lecture. Twoesteemedfacultymembersreceived thishonor in the2023-2024academicyear.
Dr Wigdahl-Perry,an aquaticecologyexpert in theBiologyDepartment,manageseleven ongoingresearch projectsand hasco-authored 14journal articles,alongwith a comprehensivemanagement plan for lakesandwatersheds Shehaspresentedher researchover 30 timestoaudiencesat international,national,andregional levels Since joiningFredonia,Dr Wigdahl-Perryhassecuredover $500,000 in grantsfrom various sources,includingtheChautauquaCountySoil and Water Conservation District,New York SeaGrants,and theUSGeological Survey(USGS).Her innovative,interdisciplinary researchand teachingmethodshavegainedinternational recognition from scientists within theGlobal LakesEcological ObservatoryNetwork (GLEON)
Dr.WentaoCaoisamember of theGeologyand Environmental StudiesDepartment,with researchspanningmultiplegeologysubfields,includingmetamorphicpetrology, continental tectonics,geochronology,andthermodynamicmodeling Hehasauthored 16 peer-reviewedarticlesin top-tier journalslikeEarth-ScienceReviewsand hasco-authored 25abstractsfor conferencesat variouslevels.Alongsidehissubstantial grant funding, includingaco-PI NSFMajor Research Instrumentation grant,Dr.Caoholdstheposition of associateeditor for four journals:Geochemistry,Geosphere,Lithosphere,and ES3Earth Science,SystemsandSociety
POUMMIT SECRETARIAL AWARD
ThePoummit Secretarial Awardin Memoryof Janet Markswasestablishedbythelate MorrisPoummit,a1933alumnusandformer member of theFredoniaCollegeFoundation Board.Theaward honorstheexemplarycontributionsof Janet Marks,whoservedasa secretaryin thePresident?sOffice,and candidatesfor theawardareevaluatedbased on several criteria:OutstandingFredoniaAttitude,Creativity,Resourcefulness,Demonstrated Team Effort,Personal Integrity,and Leadership
Ms.KarlySutton receivedthe2023Poummit Secretarial Awardfor her exemplary professionalismand qualityserviceat theRegistrar'sOffice.Sheisrecognizedfor her creativityin developingan efficient electronicdegreeapplication process,proactive problem-solvingskills,and initiativesthat foster communication amongstaff Her leadershipin recruitingpotential graduatesand her personal integrityexemplifyher commitment tobothstudent successandthecontinuousimprovement of office operations.
BARBARA SALETTA MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
TheBarbaraSalettaMeritoriousServiceAwardrecognizesasecretarial or clerical staff member at SUNYFredoniawhoexemplifiesexcellent service,creativity,resourcefulness, team effort,personal integrity,leadership,and enthusiasm for Fredonia,itsmission,and itsstudents Establishedtohonor her legacybymembersof BarbaraSaletta?sfamily,Tom
andDianeEverett,AceEverett,and SueEnberg,thisaward honorsthosewhogoabove andbeyond in their contributionstothecampuscommunity,reflectingMs Saletta?s commitment tohelpingothers
Ms RhondaGominiak,the2023recipient,hasbeen with FredoniasinceApril 2014asan AdministrativeAssistant II Known for her welcomingattitude,sheintroducesnewhires tothecommunity,organizessocial activities,and supportscolleagueswith theFREDmart purchasingsystem.Additionally,shehasshown outstandingleadershipbycoordinating the2020 and 2021AdministrativeAwardsfor OutstandingServiceandisdedicated to buildingthecampuscommunitythrough her involvement in eventsand committees
TheSUNYAdvancingCompletion through Engagement (ACE) program,modeledafter thesuccessful CUNYAcceleratedStudyin AssociatePrograms(ASAP),provides comprehensiveacademicand support servicestoaidstudent graduation.Implemented across25SUNYcampuses,includingFredonia,in Spring2024,ACEisaproduct of the SUNYTransformation Fundsupported byGovernor Hochul'sstatebudget.Acompelling five-year studyat John JayCollegehighlightsACE?seffectiveness,demonstratinga five-year graduation rateof 688%amongACEstudents,whichis117percentagepoints higher than thecontrol group?srateof 571% At Fredonia,theprogram aimstoenable freshmen tograduatewithin four yearsand transfer studentswithin twobyaddressing common barrierssuchasfinancial strain and academicchallenges.Participantsbenefit from personalizedadvising,specializedcareer development,and financial supports, includingaCost of AttendanceAwardupto$550 annually,textbook assistanceupto$150 per semester,andmonthlyfundsadded totheir FredCard totaling$440 annually Priority courseregistration,winter/summer coursescholarships,and ahost of workshopssupport both academicandpersonal growthwhilefosteringasenseof communityamongACE students.Toensuresuccess,participantsarerequired toengagewith advisors,complete financial aidformsannually,maintain aminimum2.0 GPA,enroll in at least 15creditsper semester,andparticipatein workshopsand career development opportunities.The combination of thesestructuredsupportsand obligationsensuresthat ACEstudents remain on track tograduate,contributingtotheprogram?sproven successin elevating graduation rates
InternshipCommunityof Practice
In theSpring2024,SUNYFredoniawasselectedtobeincludedin an Internship Communityof Practice,whichofferstechnical assistance,professional development,and resourcesfor campusstaff todevelop best practicesrelated toestablishing,maintaining, andevaluatingeffectivepaidinternship programs Thisprogram brought campuses together toconnect withpeersand internshipexperts,todevelop best practicesfor internshipimplementation plansthat areeffectiveandinclusive,and toprovideaplatform that wouldprovidecampuseswith feedback on their internship implementation plans Withan overall aimtocreateacultureof appliedlearningexperiences,increaseSUNY Fredonia?sinternshipopportunities,and increaseparticipation of underrepresented students,SUNYFredoniaestablishedfour focusareasin linewith theTrueBlue Transformation strategicplan:
- AcademicExcellence- Invest in high-impact practicesbysupporting and fosteringscholarship& creativeactivityfor facultyand students, experiential learningopportunities,studyaway,and community-based internships
- DistinctiveIdentity- SUNYFredoniaisrecognizedfor itscommitment to experiential learningandacademicexploration and isdistinguishedfor fostering closeconnectionsamongstudents,faculty,and thevibrant Fredoniacommunity In particular,thecampusisprioritizinginterdisciplinarylearningexperiencesbeyond theclassroom,high-impact learning,and leadershipopportunitieswithin thenext 5 years.
In theSummer 2024,SUNYFredoniaappliedfor additional fundingand coachingwith Jobsfor theFuture(JFF) and apotential award of an additional $100,000,whichwould support internship activitiesthrough the2024-2025academicyear.
Educational OpportunityProgram
TheEducational OpportunityProgram(EOP) at SUNYFredoniahasdemonstrated impressiveaccomplishments,particularlyin enrollment and retention Theenteringclass for Fall 2023welcomed27newstudents,comprising17freshmen and 10 transfers,atrend consistent with previousyears.Notably,Fredoniahasoverenrolleditsbudgetedcapacityto support 92EDPstudentsbyregistering96studentsthisfall,highlightingtheprogram?s demand andsuccess.EDPretention rateshaveconsistentlyoutperformedthoseof non-EDPpeers, and theacademicexcellencewithin theprogram isnotable,with 16EDP studentsmakingtheDean'sList in thespringsemester Theseaccomplishments underscoretheprogram'seffectivenessin fosteringacademicsuccessandretention, settingahigh standard for student support at theuniversity
Commencement
SUNYFredoniaheldtwosuccessful Commencement ceremonieson May 18,2024in theSteeleHall Fieldhouse,the197thCommencement for the University.Atotal of 607undergraduateandgraduatestudentscrossedthe stage,and over 3,100 guestsattendedbetween thetwoceremonies
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS
Thecampuswelcomedtwodistinguishedalumni back tocampustooffer thekeynote addresstothe2024graduates
Thekeynoteaddressfor themorningceremonywaspresentedbyReginal ?Reg?Spiller,a SUNYFredoniaClassof 1974graduatewith amajor in Special Studiesand an emphasisin Geology.Mr.Spiller isan international energyexpert with atrack recordof workingand investingin over 60 countries.HeearnedhisMaster of Sciencedegreein Geologyfrom Penn StateUniversityand received itsDistinguished Alumni Award.Heisalsoafounding member of theNational Association of Black Geoscientistsandserveson boardsfor Range ResourcesCorp and theAfrican EnergyChamber Additionally,heholdsthetitleof Chief Scientist for theSAMECminingcompanyin Guinea Astheformer DeputyAssistant Secretaryfor GasandPetroleum Technologiesat theU.S.Department of Energy,Spiller wasthefirst petroleum geologist toholdthisposition,managinga$400 million budget. Heco-foundedtheMickeyLeland EnergyFellowship,aprogram aimedat increasing STEM opportunitiesfor minorityand women students,whichhasplacedover 1,000 internsin national labs
Theceremony?safternoon speaker,Tim Zulawski,becamePresident of AMBSportsand Entertainment (AMBSE) in 2023,havingdedicated over twodecadestotheprofession Zulawski?scareer began asan intern for theNFL'sBuffaloBillswhilein high school He earnedaBachelor?sdegreein BusinessAdministration from SUNYFredoniain 1998anda Master?sfrom SpringfieldCollegein 2000.Heinitiallyworked in sponsorshipsalesfor the NHL'sTampaBayLightningbeforejoiningtheFalconsin 2003.Heheldseveral key positions,includingChief RevenueOfficer,wherehesignificantlyenhancedtheAtlanta Falconsand AtlantaUnited'sstandingsin theNFL andMLSregardingsponsorshipand ticket revenue Hewaspromoted toChief Commercial Officer in 2014,andin that role,he playedacritical rolein securingnamingrightsfor Mercedes-BenzStadium and attracting major sponsors.Under hisleadership,thestadium emergedasapremier venue,hosting over 50 major publiceventsannually.In addition tohisprofessional achievements, Zulawski isactivein hiscommunity,mentoringwith BigBrothersBigSistersand coaching youthflagfootball
POST-BACCALAUREATE SUCCESS
Over the2023-2024academicyear,theCareer Development Officeprovidedstudentsand alumni with accesstomorethan 76,000 in-person andremotejoband internship opportunitiesavailablelocallyandacrossthenation Morethan 1,400 studentsmade direct connectionswith morethan 200 organizationsat fivecampus-widerecruitment programs:theJob& InternshipExpo(240 students/110 employers),theGraduateSchool Fair (110 students/71employers),Network on theGo(388students/14employers), On-CampusRecruitment (161students/29employers),and theEmployer ShowcaseSeries (430 students/16employers) Additionally,student and alumni engagement exceeded 5,200 for individualizedcareer appointments(898),career workshops(954),internships (332),applicationsviaFREDNetwork (2,202) andother communityoutreachevents(818) TheCDOalsodistributed$172,100 in SUNYincremental internshipfunds,which provided110 studentswith a$1,500 stipend for completingan otherwiseuncompensated internship.
STUDENT SUPPORT,WELLNES,AND BELONGING
ASafeCampus
At SUNYFredonia,theUniversityPoliceDepartment (UPD) isdedicated tocreatinga safeandsupportiveenvironment that enhancestheeducational experiencewithout fear of interruption.Thedepartment emphasizeskindness,empathy,andhonestyin every interaction,fosteringtrust and positiverelationshipswithin thediversecampus community.UPD'sapproach tocampuspolicingissupportive,contributingtothe university'slowcrimerate Communitypolicingand continual trainingarekeystrategies, ensuringofficersareequippedtoprovideeffectiveemergencyassistance
UPDengagesstudentsthrough frequent,friendlyinteractionsduringfoot patrolsand presentations,enhancingstudent engagement beyondemergencies In collaboration with theStudentsof Concern Team,aproactiveprogram toprevent targeted violencefocuses on educatingthecommunitytoidentifyand report concerningbehaviors,preventing potential threats.
Highlightsover the2023-24year includeanewbicyclepatrol programand theaward of a $91,000 grant toimproveequipment and training TheseinitiativesunderscoreUPD's proactiveapproachtosafety,makingSUNYFredoniaan exceptionallysafeplacetolearn, live,and work.
GORDON T CARPENTER, JR , APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF UNIVERSITY POLICE
SUNYFredoniaappointed Gordon T Carpenter Jr asthenewChief of UniversityPolice followinganational search Thecampusheldhisswearing-in ceremonyon October 3, 2023,wherehewasjoinedbylocal lawenforcement officialsand hisfamily Chief Carpenter?scareer in lawenforcement spansover twodecades,including16yearswith the HowardCountyPoliceDepartment in Maryland,whereherosethrough theranksfrom officer tosergeant and implementedstrategicinitiatives.Hemost recentlyservedas Special PoliceChief at Roswell Park ComprehensiveCancer Center in Buffalo,NY
Chief Carpenter holdsaBachelor'sdegreein Political Science/PublicAdministration from theUniversityof Maryland,BaltimoreCounty,and aMaster'sdegreein Strategic LeadershipfromSt BonaventureUniversity Thiscombination of extensivelaw enforcement experience,academiccredentials,and teachingbackgroundpositions Carpenter well toleadSUNYFredonia'sUniversityPoliceDepartment.
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT RE-ACCREDITATION
TheUniversityPoliceDepartment at SUNYFredoniahassuccessfullyachieved re-accreditation from theNewYork StateLawEnforcement Accreditation Council, demonstratingitscommitment tomaintaininghighstandards Chief Gordon T Carpenter Jr expressedpridein hisstaff'saccomplishments,particularlyacknowledgingLieutenant Benjamin Miller'sleadershipin theprocess.
There-accreditation involvedacomprehensiveevaluation conducted over threedaysin January.Assessorsconducted57interviewsand 25observationstoverifycompliancewith 77standards.Theaccreditation program consistsof 111standardsacrossadministration, training,andoperations Theassessment team unanimouslyrecommendedthe department for re-accreditation,citingtheir excellent effortsin maintainingprogram files andaccreditation standards TheNew York StateLawEnforcement Accreditation Council officiallyvotedfor thedepartment'sre-accreditation on March 7
Accreditation isavoluntaryprocessthat recognizeslawenforcement organizations meetingor exceedingqualityexpectationsin thefield It acknowledgesthe implementation of soundand effectivepolicies.SUNYFredonia'sUniversityPolicewas initiallyaccreditedin 2014andreaccredited in 2019.
CampusAndResidenceLife
Throughout therecent academicyear,significant advancementsweremadein enhancing theresidencehall experienceat SUNYFredonia In addition tothecompletion of the ResidenceHall Capital Plan and DIFRfinancial plan,ResidenceLifepartneredwith staff in FacilitiesPlanningtoconduct acomprehensivebuildingcondition reviewthat assessed andprioritizedinfrastructureneeds.Thiswork hasfacilitatedand informeddecisionsfor futurecapital improvements,and coupledwith adetailed assessment of residencehall occupancy,it will helpalign expenseswith projected revenuestoensurefinancial sustainability Collaboratingwith academicand support servicesemergedasakeystrategy toimprovestudent retention within theresidencehalls Theeffortsof theOfficeof ResidenceLifesuccessfullymaintained 50%of overall undergraduatestudent enrollment
in residencehalls,with aretention rateof 65%from Spring2023toFall 2023 Enhancingtheon-campusexperience,approximately300 activities wereplannedandimplementedfor residencehall students,fosteringa vibrant communitytoengageand support residentseffectively These initiativescollectivelycontributed tocreatingasupportiveand welcoming environment for studentsat SUNYFredonia.
DistinguishedStudent Awards
Thefollowingstudentshaveexcelledand distinguishedthemselvesin their academic journey,and SUNYFredoniacongratulatesthem for their commitment toexcellence
RECIPIENTS OF THE SUNY CHANCELLOR?S AWARD FOR STUDENT EXCELLENCE
Thisisthehighest award bestowedupon astudent bySUNYand acknowledgesthe outstandingachievementsthat studentshavedemonstratedin theintegration of SUNY excellencesuchasacademics,leadership,campusinvolvement,communityservice,and thearts
- ChloeKowalyk,doublemajoredin Communications:Journalism and Psychology with minorsin Englishand Political Science Originallyfrom Depew,NYand a graduateof DepewHigh School,shecontinuedtolawschool in pursuit of her goal tobecomean attorneyand providelegal aidtowomen in need
- AmandaKeppel,asenior from Clarence,NYgraduatedfrom ClarenceCentral High School Amandadouble-majoredin Communication Disordersand Sciences(CDS) and English with aSchool and CounselingPsychologyMinor
RECIPIENT OF THE NORMAN R. MCCONNEY, JR. AWARD FOR EOP STUDENT EXCELLENCE
ThisawardrecognizesoutstandingEOPstudentsfor their academicexcellenceand strength in overcomingsignificant personal obstaclesthroughout their lives.It isnamed in memoryof Norman R McConney,Jr (1946-2016),agraduateof theUniversityat Albany and former Assistant Dean for Special Programsat SUNY McConney,alongsideformer AssemblyDeputySpeaker Arthur O Eve,helpedcreatetheEOPasastatewideprogram that hasservedover 75,000 NewYorkersfrom underprivilegedbackgrounds
- Yan Jiang,majoringin PublicAccountancyandBusinessAdministration - Finance,is from NewYork Cityand graduated from NewUtrecht High School Heplansto completetherequirement toearn hisCertifiedPublicAccountant (CPA)
RECIPIENT OF THE LANFORD PRESIDENTIAL PRIZE
Thisaward,generouslycreatedand endowed bythelatePresident EmeritusOscar E. LanfordandMrs.Lanford,recognizesamember of thegraduatingclasswhohasexhibited balancedachievement and exemplifiesFredonia?sideals It isthehighest awardbestowed upon astudent at SUNYFredonia Theaward and Lanfordmedallion aretraditionally presentedtotherecipient at thecommencement ceremonies
- PatienceGlatt,aPsychologymajor with abiologyandchemistryfocus,isfrom Jamestown,NYand graduatedfrom Jamestown High School After graduatingfrom SUNYFredonia, shecontinuedher education at theKentuckyCollegeof Optometrytoearn aDoctor of Optometrydegree.
Teachingnewperspectivesisastrength at SUNYFredonia,and several courseshad alreadybeen incorporatedasageneral education theme,Global Perspectivesand Diversity (GPD).SUNYFredoniafacultyreworked amajor component of thegeneral education curriculum withtherevisionsof itsGlobal Perspectivesthemeand introduceditsfirst four coursesunder theDiversity,Equity,Inclusion,and Social Justicecourses? aligned with thenewSUNYGeneral Education Framework Thesecourseswererequiredfor first-time undergraduatestudentsstartingin the2023-24academicyear Therevisedcurriculum
focuseson thesocietal factorsshapingindividual and groupidentities, particularlyregardingrace,class,and gender,whileexaminingthe dynamicsof power and privilege.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION
SUNYFredoniacelebrateditsfirst Dr Martin Luther King,Jr Presidential Commission program,whichwasscheduledduringthefirst week of classesof theSpring2024 semester.Theprogramwassupported and madepossiblethrough thegeneroussupport of theNorthern ChautauquaCommunityFoundation,theCollingwoodEndowment Funds, andmultiplecampusofficesincludingCampusLife,theDivision of Student Affairs,the Education OpportunityProgram,FredoniaStateAthletics,theInterfaith Coalition,the Intercultural Center,Marketingand Communications,theOfficeof Alumni Affairs,the Officeof Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion,theOfficeof thePresident,theOfficeof ResidenceLife,Student Association,andtheSchool of Music
Theweek-longprogram invitedthecampusandcommunitytoparticipatein several ways, withspecificthemesfor eachday.Daysof Serviceencouraged volunteerismand communityservicewith local organizations;Daysof Education offered amovienight and welcomedfacultytohost teach-insandprogramsfocusedon Dr.King?simpact;Daysof Reflection welcomed guest speakersand firesidechatswith SUNYFredoniaalumni;and theweek culminated in akeynotespeaker emphasizingDr King'smessage:"Everybodycan begreat becauseeverybodycan serve"
COLLINGWOOD DISTINGUISHED LECTURE
TheOfficeof Diversity,Equity,and Inclusion at SUNYFredoniainvitedthecampusand communitytotheCollingwoodDistinguished Lectureon Diversityfeaturingrenowned poet,novelist,performer,and art journalist Eileen Myles Thefreeand publiclecturewas titled?MakingArt and MakingPolitical AgencyMatter Together,?and followingthetalk, Mylesheld abook signingat theUniversityBookstore Mylesguidedtheaudiencethrough areadingof their 40-plusyearsof writing,focusingon theevolution of collectivepolitical consciousnesssurroundingthemesof sexuality,race,age,non-humanness,and dis/ability. Thelecturehighlightedthehistoryandcultureof underrepresentedgroups,promoting acceptanceof diversitywithin theFredoniaeducational experienceandthebroader community Support for theevent wasprovidedbytheCollingwood Distinguished Lecture for DiversityEndowment at theFredoniaCollegeFoundation
INTERCULTURAL CENTER PROGRAMMING
TheIntercultural Center at SUNYFredoniahostsdiverseprogrammingtocelebrateand promoteinclusivitywithin thecommunity HighlightsincludeCultureFest 2023,which showcasedthetalentsof studentsthrough arts,crafts,performances,andcuisine,and the inaugural IC/ALANA/Lavender Ceremonyin Spring2024,whichisacelebration of achievement andinclusivity,organized bytheIntercultural Center and theStudent Affairs Diversity,Equity,Inclusion,Accessibility,and BelongingCommittee.Theevent honors graduatingseniorsfrom diversebackgrounds,includingthoseof African, African-American,Caribbean,Hispanic,LatinX,Asian,PacificIslander,andNative American descent (ALANA),aswell asself-identifyingmembersof theLGBTQIA+ community(Lavender)
Other programsincludeKings?Corner,whichservesasasupport groupfor malestudents of color,fosteringbelongingand empowerment whileenhancingretention andgraduation rates.Thecenter alsooverseestheKeeper of theDreamScholarshipand Leadership
Keeper of theDream and Leadership Development Program
FredoniasponsorsaKeeper of theDream scholarshipfor incomingfreshmen who demonstrateacommitment tomulticulturalism.In 2023,theprogram welcomedfour additional recipientstotheprogram,whoreceivea$4,000 award,livein theresidence halls,and engagein arigorousleadershipdevelopment programtosupport their continueddemonstration of promotingcultural pluralismand crosscultural dialogue whileon campus TheAnnual Keeper of theDream Scholarshipand LeadershipProgram holdsan Annual Dinner in October of eachyear and the2023scholarsincluded Molly Tichacek,JuliaSkiba,CleoMcDermott,Kathleen Ball,SydneyBuchko,EmilyTytler, SydneyHawkins,AlainaHogue,Jordan Budd,MollyHubbard,Cameron Kerr-Smith,Haley Evertt,andAlexander Scalcione
Rosa ParksScholarship
EstablishedthroughtheFredoniaCollegeFoundation in 1989byformer SUNYFredonia staff member,Dr.Vivian Garcia,thisscholarshipisnamed in honor of RosaParks,an African-American Civil Rightsactivist in the1950swhoseact of civil disobedienceledto theMontgomerybusboycott and waslater heralded bytheU S Congressasthe?Mother of theModern-DayCivil RightsMovement ?
TheRosaParksScholarshipgivesall studentsat Fredoniaan opportunitytovoicetheir opinionson social injustice,cultural perspective,and activism Theannual competition, celebratedeachOctober,welcomesstudent entriesin theform of writing,speaking, drawing,photography,and dancing,which expressviewsandexperienceswith multiculturalism andthecelebration of diversity.
The35thAnnual RosaParksScholarshipCompetition showcased outstandingentries highlightingmulticulturalismin today?ssociety,culminatingin an awardsceremonythat celebratedtherecipients Thewinnerswere,JacobDuran (Junior):Song"Peony",Jhalen Justin (Senior):Letter "ALetter toMy-Self and MyBigThree",Milan Hareshbhai Pansuriya(Freshman):Painting"TheWorldIsOneFamily"
INVESTMENTS IN DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
Duringthe2023-2024academicyear,432studentsat SUNYFredoniaself-identifiedwith theOfficeof DisabilitySupport Services(DSS),makingup14.5%of thestudent body? the largest percentagein theprogram'shistory Amongthese,147requestednon-academic accommodations,whileDSSprocessed 335requestsfor academicaccommodations, includingtestingsupport and accessiblematerials Therehasbeen anotablerisein requestsfor emotional support animals(34) and medical singlerooms(44),reflectingan increasein mental health diagnoses Additionally,with newfundingfrom NewYork State aimedat supportingstudentswith disabilities,DSShiredAHEAD(TheAssociation of Higher Education and Disability) toconduct an external reviewof theoffice.Thisreview assessedexistingpoliciesand highlightedtheneedfor moreprofessional staff,enabling theDSSDirector toimplement changesthat enhancesupport for studentswith disabilities at Fredonia
Athletics
Fredoniahosts11Women?sTeams(soccer,tennis,volleyball,crosscountry,basketball, swimminganddiving,track and field,lacrosse,softball,andcheerleading) and 8Men?s Teams(soccer,crosscountry,basketball,hockey,swimminganddiving,track and field, andbaseball).
HIGHLIGHTS
- 116student-athleteswerenamed totheSUNYACCommissioner'sList,with aGPA of at least 33
- Thedepartmental GPAfor theyear was3.21.
- Thesoftball team madetheSUNYACplayoffsand sophomoreCaraPellechiawon both theindoor and outdoor SUNYACTrack and FieldChampionshipsin thepole vault.
- Theannual Pink theRink hockeygamewasheld,and in total,morethan $110,000 hasbeen raisedtosupport theAmerican Cancer Societysincethegame?sinception.
- The14thannual National Girlsand Women in SportsDayevent washeld in February2024,bringingin 150 local girlsaged9-12tointeract and learn from our femalestudent-athletes
- Themen?sandwomen?ssoccer teamshosted their inaugural TOPSoccer clinics, providinglocal athleteswith diverseabilitiesan opportunitytoplaysoccer in a structuredand inclusiveenvironment
- DodsGymnasium hostedthelocal Dunkirk and FredoniaHigh School Unified Basketball teams,with student-athletesengagingand interactingwith the participants.
ATHLETICS STRATEGIC PLAN, 2024-2028
Withafocuson thefull experienceof thestudent-athlete,theAthleticsStrategicPlan was launchedin Spring2024in alignment with theuniversity'sStrategicPlan,TrueBlue Transformation Recognizingthecentral roleof athleticsin recruitment,retention,and communityengagement,thecommitteeaimed tocreatearoadmapfor successin all
sportswhiletargetingregional distinction in twotothreekeyareas The committeepresented thefinal athleticsstrategicplan in Spring2024, whichincludedtheDepartment?sMission,Vision,and ValueStatements
Mission
Themission of theStateUniversityof NewYork at Fredonia(?FredoniaState?) Department of Athleticsand Recreation istoprovidestudent-athletesapreeminent academicand athleticexperiencein NCAADivision III byplacingthehighest valueson wellbeing,diversity,and gender equity,sportsmanship,and excellence
Vision
Our vision istofoster an elitestudent-athleteexperiencebyprovidingtheopportunities andenvironment for them tosucceed in athleticsand all aspectsof life Thevalue statementshighlight keyprinciples:
Values
- Wellbeing - Together,wefocuson theholisticwellnessof student-athletesand the AthleticDepartment staff,ensuringaculturethat valueslifebalance,social, financial,intellectual,occupational,environmental,physical,and mental health
- Diversity and Gender Equity - Together,wefoster an inclusive,diverse,and collaborativeenvironment withopportunitiesthat provideall student-athletesand AthleticDepartment staff theabilitytosucceedon and off thefield
- Excellence - Together,weenableour student-athletesand AthleticDepartment staff tobeconsistentlycompetitivewhilestrivingfor academicand athletic excellenceat all times
Fivestrategicgoalswereidentified toachievethedepartment?svision and deliver on the values,eachwith several other strategicobjectivesdesignedtodriveexecution:Wellness andWellbeing;Academicand AthleticExcellence,Stakeholder Engagement;Tradition; Financial Stewardship
Thesefoundational pillarsaredesignedtoguideand enhancetheAthleticsDepartment's cultureand effectiveness,contributingtoadynamicand supportiveenvironment for student-athletesat Fredonia
CAMPUSINFRASTRUCTURE
FacilitiesandCapital Projects
NewYork Statecontinuestodemonstrateitscommitment toSUNYFredoniathrough significant investments,with atotal of $226,829,221received or allocated for capital investmentsaloneover thecourseof 2022-2028 Thesefundsarespecial allocations designedtoenhanceand maintain theuniversity?sfacilities,distinct from theoperating budget.
The$50 million allocation dedicated totherehabilitation of Jewett Hall isthemost recent project underwaythat will advancethecampusin itsinitiativestoensurestudent success. This"BuildingTowardsStudent Success" initiativeaimstocentralizestudent support servicesin threeadjacent buildings,includingJewett Hall,which will form astudent successcorridor centralizingservicesfor easeof accessandimproved collaboration Jewett Hall,originallybuilt in 1963for ScienceEducation,isundergoingapartial renovation whilepreservingitsPlanetariumand Auditorium Therenovation includesa newfaçade,enhancednatural light access,and enhanced entrances.Therenovated buildingwill houseconferencerooms,lounges,multipurposespaces,and classroomsand centralizekeystudent servicesareasintoonelocation,includingtheofficesof the Registrar,Advising,ACEProgram,Career Development,International Education, International Student Services,ESL PathwayProgram,Financial Aid,Student Accounts, HonorsProgram,and theEqual OpportunityProgram
In addition totheJewett Hall project,thecampuscompletedtheconcept phasefor the Interior RehabReedLibraryProject Theyfinishedboth theconstruction document phase andtheconstruction phasefor theturf and track replacement projects.TheMason Hall Copper Sidingreplacement wascompleted,andinitial design phasesbegan for renovating theoldMason Hall and replacingmechanical equipment at RAC.Construction startedon projectssuchasreplacingemergencygeneratorsin variousbuildingsand theKirkland Plazareplacement Additionally,afeasibilitystudywasinitiated for Fenner House,which isbeingexploredasacommunitymental wellnesscenter in partnership with theClinical Mental Health Counselingprogram Additionally,thecompletion of theResidenceHall Capital Plan and theDIFRfinancial plan,acollaboration amongResidenceLifeand Financeand Administration,allowedfor therealignment of projectsand expensesto optimizeresources
Theseinvestmentsareatestament toboth NewYork State?sand theSUNYsystem?s dedication toSUNYFredonia,astheuniversitystrivestodeliver ahigh-qualityeducation totheresidentsof New York and beyond.
SUNYFredoniacelebratedasuccessful annual ?Dayof Giving?on April 3,surpassing donor goals,with592contributorsraisingnearly$64,000 toenhancethestudent experience Alumni comprised 42%of donors,withcontributionscomingfrom 27different states.
Donorsdirectedtheir giftstosixmajor universityareas An unrestrictedfund surpassed $10,000,addressingtheuniversity'simmediateneeds,includingstudent projectsand unforeseen challenges.Each of Fredonia?sfour schoolsreceived significant donations:the School of Musicfunded initiativestoattract talentedmusicians,theCollegeof Education, HealthSciences,andHuman Servicesenhancedtechnologyand resources,theCollegeof Liberal Artsprovidedscholarships,andtheSchool of Businesssupported learning opportunities
ThefollowingarethePresident?sgoalsand direction over thenext fewyearsasrelated totheSUNY FredoniaStrategicPlan,TrueBlueTransformation (TBT) and SUNY?sstrategicvision
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #2:Stabilizeenrollment anduniversityfinances;Optimizestaffing needs;Optimizeinstructional cost;Leveragetechnologytoachievegreater efficiencyin business operationsand advancetheuniversity;Ensurerobust fundraisinginitiativesand operationsto support strategicendeavors.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #1,#4:Ensureacademicquality: Retain and attract highlyqualified and motivatedfaculty; Enhancefacultydevelopment in teachingand learning;Support acultureof assessment for qualityand student learning;Infusenewtechnologiesfor strengtheningstudent learning;Support growingprogramswith resource.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #4,#5;Aligned with SUNYPillars- #1:Enhanceacademicadvisement, persistenceandcompletion;Sustain and expandtheACEand relatedstudent support programs; Enhancestudent development for leadershipand civil engagement;Ensureimplementation of athleticstrategicplan
MAKING ACCESS AFFORDABLE
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #2,#3;Aligned with SUNYPillars- #1:Increasethecurrent level of need-basedscholarships- bicentennial funds;Sustain thecurrent level of merit-basedscholarships.
TrueBlueTransformation andKeyInitiativesfor theComingYears, Continued
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #1;Aligned with SUNYPillars- #2:Increasesupport toeffortsaimed at attractingand implementingmoresponsoredresearch and projects;Enhancesupport toeffortsaimed at increasingscholarshipat Fredonia.
SOCIAL/ UPWARD MOBILITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #5;Alignedwith SUNYPillars- #4:Strengthen opportunitiesfor need-basedscholarships; Increaseinternship and experiential learningexperiencesopportunities includingstudyabroad;Minimizedigital divideamongstudents;Enhancepostgraduation outcomes for students;Establishfeasibilityof aCHQCountyCrimeLabat SUNYFredonia;Partner with CHQ and Fredonia- Dunkirk chambersof commercein supportinglocal businessdevelopment;Strengthen theSUNYFredoniaCenter for Innovation and EconomicDevelopment tosupport economicgrowth and businessdevelopment in CHQ;Increaseengagement andvisibilitywith theuniversity community,local andcountychambersof commerce,selectedhigher education organizations,and effortsregardingBrooksTLCHospital
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #3,#4;Aligned with SUNYPillars- #3:Increaseprofessional development opportunitiesfor staff;Developfutureleadersfor SUNYFredonia;Increaserecognition for faculty,staff,and student excellenceand ?universitycitizenship?
INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT
Aligned with TBT Priorities- #1;Aligned with SUNYPillars-#1:Renovateor enhancekeyfacilitiesfor teaching,learning,athleticsandfor improvingthestudent experience(capital projects).
Leadership? President?sCabinet
For the academic year 2023-2024, the following individuals served on the President?s Cabinet at Fredonia:
Dr David Starrett ExecutiveVice President and Provost
Dr Tracy Stenger VicePresident for Student Affairs
Ms Karen Rohr VicePresident for University Advancement and Fredonia CollegeFoundation ExecutiveDirector
Mr Jeff Woodard
Director of Marketingand Communications
Maria
Director of Human Resources
Dr Vicki
Sapp Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Mr Michael Kelly VicePresident for Finance and Administration
Dr Kathryn Kendall VicePresident for Enrollment Management and Services
Dr Michel
Chief Information Officer
Dr Naomi Baldwin Interim Chief of Staff and ExecutiveAssistant
