SUNY Plattsburgh faculty, staff welcomed back

PLATTSBURGH | Nearly 400 SUNY Plattsburgh faculty and staff filled the Warren Ballrooms in the Angell College Center, joining the university president for his annual welcome to mark the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. President Alexander Enyedi opened the proceedings by acknowledging that the SUNY Plattsburgh campus sits "on the traditional lands of the Iroquois, Western Abenaki, Mohican and Mohawk peoples," he said. "We honor the original caretakers of this land and offer our respect to the Haudenosaunee, who are still here. This history reminds us of the importance of respectful relationships with both our Indigenous neighbors and the land itself." He then broached the university's recent change in leadership in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. "I understand this transition has felt abrupt and has caused real concern among many on campus and in our broader community," said. "Several individuals have written to me expressing sadness, disappointment, frustration and a desire for more information. "I hear those voices, and I respect the emotions that have been shared," he said. He explained that SUNY policy and campus practices prohibit him from sharing details regarding confidential personnel matters. ALWAYS PROTECT PRIVACY "I recognize that this lack of information can be difficult to accept, and I understand it has led to speculation; but I must and will always protect the privacy and dignity of every current and former employee of this institution," Enyedi said. "Here's what I can say: First, I will always do what is right to protect this university and all who work, study, and live here, no matter how difficult, regardless of the personal or political cost to me. This is not about me. This is about the integrity of our institution and my responsibility to fulfill my duties as your president to act in the best interests of our institution and its people. "Second, I will also always do everything in my power to ensure that SUNY Plattsburgh remains a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion," he said. "At a time when DEI work is being challenged and dismantled in many places across the country, I want to be crystal clear: We are not backing down. We will not deviate from SUNY's core value of providing access and educational opportunity to all segments of the population," he said. WORK CONTINUES WITH INTENTION Enyedi stressed that this work continues, "and it continues with intention and strength. We will build on that strength, and we will continue this important work together." Across the SUNY system, SUNY Plattsburgh is recognized "for its momentum in this space," he said. "It is embedded in how we teach, how we hire, how we support students, how we build community and how we plan for the future. And that is not changing." As a result, the university has brought in Dr. David Fryson, recently serving as interim vice president for inclusive excellence at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, to serve as interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion here "as we take next steps to launch a national search that will permanently fill this critical role. Fryson brings extensive experience in higher education, law, ministry, and community engagement. As West Virginia University's first permanent chief diversity officer and later vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, he established a new division, expanded Title IX compliance, developed recruitment pipelines for underrepresented students and built campus-community partnerships. In addition to his academic pursuits, Fryson is an ordained minister with decades of work dedicated to advancing equity, justice and community healing. Fryson begins his interim position Monday, Aug. 25. "The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will continue offering initiatives that promote inclusion, strengthen community and build shared understanding," Enyedi said, sharing that the annual Social Justice Teach-In will be held Monday, Nov. 3 in honor of Black Solidarity Day — traditionally observed the Monday before Election Day each November. This year's theme is "Meeting the Moment: Amplifying Our Voices and Efforts." Enyedi then shared a report that included updates on enrollment, budget, Administration and Finance, Academic Affairs, Institutional Advancement, and the Clinton Community College move to the old Redcay building, now named George Moore Hall. ENROLLMENT Enyedi reported that as of Aug. 20, SUNY Plattsburgh has 1,850 new student deposits, "well ahead of our student goal of 1,700," he said. "Though we won't know our final fall enrollment until the (campus) census, we remain optimistic that we will again see a gain in year-over-year total enrollment for a third consecutive year. "As we enter this new year, we continue to focus on persistence to graduation, starting with our vibrant Welcome Week, including academic onboarding, incredible wrap-around support across campus for all students, competitive athletic programs, a commitment to our Cardinals Thrive initiative and so much more. Our students are our priority — they are the heartbeat of our campus." BUDGET Enyedi reported that the university remains in a position "of solid financial health and retains its fiscally responsible status," he said. "At the close of fiscal year 2024-2025, our operating revenue now stands at $15.7 million." It is expected that Magen Renadette, vice president of administration and finance, will update the campus on the total budgetary picture during a campus-wide forum in October, he said. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE Among areas under the Office of Administration and Finance is facilities and operations — buildings and grounds. Enyedi discussed "the extraordinary level of activity across campus, all aligned with our mission to create a more accessible, student-centered and inclusive campus. In support of the arrival of Clinton Community College, facilities completed 14 department relocations, prepared Redcay Hall and 133 Court St. (the former location of Canadian Studies and the Center for the Study of Canada), and renovated a number of academic and office spaces, including Kehoe floors one through four, Beaumont, Hawkins, Ward halls and 102 Broad St., the new home to Canadian Studies, Enyedi said. Other projects and initiatives include: -Adoption of new campus bathroom standards, to be incorporated into all capital improvement projects, which will include gender-neutral bathrooms and private partitions in multi-stall restrooms -More than $43 million in active campus improvement projects, including renovations to Algonquin Admissions, the Kehoe bathrooms, Ward Hall Counseling Center, and Myers Hall recording studio. Roofs, HVAC and mechanical systems, accessibility improvements and plans for razing Banks and Adirondack halls in 2027 -Infrastructure and maintenance projects, including sewer line repairs at Wilson and Ward halls, renovations to University Police spaces, new lighting around campus and installation of a high-temperature hot water line to Yokum Hall ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Highlights within Academic Affairs include: -The proposal to SUNY for an online MBA in business administration, which would allow working professionals and distance learners to pursue an advanced degree -Online Lean Six Sigma Certificate, a program that provides students with skills in process improvement, quality control and organizational efficiency -Construction on a new recording studio to support the new music technology degree, providing students with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment to create, produce and engineer sound Enyedi also shared news that the university's federally funded TRIO SSS program, which serves more than 380 first-generation, moderate-income and disabled students, received a five-year, $3.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Other grants and funding received by the university include: -A Health Resources and Service Administration grant that will provide 16 graduate students $25,000 stipends each year as part of the university's commitment to developing a diverse behavioral health workforce -Joint funding of $260,000/1.2 million pounds for a joint United Kingdom/United States initiative in anthropology -Two literacy grants totaling $200,000 over two years for the education programs Additionally, the Master of Social Work degree received full national accreditation, and a university-assisted community schools partnership with Beekmantown Central School District was formally launched, supporting students and families beyond campus CLINTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Enyedi also updated faculty and staff on Clinton Community College's move to campus, discussions on which began in spring 2024, when he said he "spoke about a bold new partnership on the horizon, one that would reshape higher education delivery in the North Country," he said. As a result and as of Aug. 25, the first day of classes for both institutions, the community college will officially open its doors and operate adjacent to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, Enyedi said. "This historic transition reflects months of coordinated planning and problem-solving between CCC, SUNY Plattsburgh and SUNY System Administration. Together, we began with the end in mind," he said. "The co-location is more than a physical move: It represents a shift in how two institutions — one university, one community college — can work together to better serve and educate our students and our community. It speaks to our shared commitment to educational access, fiscal responsibility and regional vitality." INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Enyedi shared highlights from the Institutional Advancement team, including the fact that the Plattsburgh College Foundation awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students last year with an additional $2.4 million going to university programs, "significantly enhancing the student experience across campus," he said. Game on for Giving, in partnership, broke records last year, bringing in $127,000 from 1,439 donors, an increase of 309 donors and $45,000 more compared to the previous year, Enyedi said. "Overall, IA secured $4.8 million in new gifts and commitments and surpassed $12 million in planned giving for future generations of Cardinals," he said. "These successes reflect the IA team's long-term relationship-building efforts, including 34 alumni events reaching 1,858 alumni." Enyedi also invited those gathered to the Homecoming and Family Weekend event happening Sept. 26-28, "where students, alumni, families and staff will celebrate what it means to be part of the Cardinal community," he said. Last year was the inaugural year of combining events that celebrate current students and graduates and saw more than 1,000 people on campus. "This year's events will continue that momentum, with something for everyone, whether you're reconnecting with old friends, supporting our students or just enjoying the spirit of campus in the fall," he said. AWARDS PRESENTED Enyedi also presented a number of awards, including the Faculty/Staff Impact Award, given by the Plattsburgh Alumni Association to current or retired faculty and staff "who have had a lasting, meaningful impact on the lives of our alumni," Enyedi said. "Nominations come directly from our alumni, and a committee of the Alumni Association Board carefully reviewed dozens of submissions to select this year's recipients:" -Peter Ensel '80, retired associate professor of communication studies -Christopher Waterbury, retired head men's soccer coach, adjunct professor and current tennis coach Ensel taught in the communication studies program for more than 30 years, having chaired the department, served on various campus-wide committees, and having served as interim chair of the hotel, restaurant and tourism management department. Waterbury served as men's soccer coach, assistant director of athletics, interim director of athletics and adjunct professor of exercise and nutrition. During 2019, he served as co-head women's tennis coach alongside his wife, Karen. After a brief retirement following a 33-year tenure, he returns to coach tennis again. Enyedi also presented six members of faculty and staff with the medallions as Chancellor's Award for Excellence recipients, which were announced earlier in the spring. Accepting their awards were: -Dr. Raymond Carman, associate professor and chair of political science -Dr. Azul Gul, lecturer in English and interdisciplinary/area studies -Shelley Laurin, administrative assistant 1, Department of Nursing -Dr. Mark Lesser, associate professor in the Center for Earth and Environmental Science -Dr. Rajesh Sunasee, professor and co-chair, chemistry and biology -Dr. Kelly Theisen, associate professor, chemistry and biochemistry Following the awards portion of the event, Enyedi asked the faculty and staff to "reaffirm our commitment to student success, to one another, and to the transformative power of higher education. Let us also continue to lead with empathy and intention, honoring the diversity of our campus and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued," he said. "Our campus is changing through partnership, innovation and care, but our core purpose remains the same: To make students' educational dreams come true. Thank you for all you do to make this possible," he said. "Your work matters deeply and is noticed, appreciated and remembered." -Story, Photos by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs

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SUNY Plattsburgh faculty, staff welcomed back

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