Key Messages, Speeches and Presentations

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

After thoughtful consultation and planning among administration and faculty, I am pleased to announce the renaming of our academic schools to colleges. This change aligns with our recent attainment of university status, highlights our commitment to Vision 4040 for a more educated region, and responds to the increasing breadth and depth of our academic offerings and the national trends in higher education.

Effective July 1, 2025, our academic college/schools will adopt the following names:
 

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) becomes College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CLASE)
  The renaming of our largest academic unit emphasizes our deep commitment to the liberal arts while highlighting the growing significance of engineering and applied sciences in our curriculum. By integrating engineering into the name, we aim to increase the visibility of these programs, enhance interdisciplinary opportunities, and better serve students pursuing careers in STEM fields. This change is a step toward achieving greater external recognition for the exceptional quality of education and research within this college.

Under this plan, CLASE would comprise three schools: School of Humanities, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Each of the schools will be led by a director reporting to the Dean of the College.

• School of Education becomes College of Education, Health, and Human Services
  This expanded name reflects the unit's broad scope, encompassing teacher preparation, school leadership, mental health counseling, health promotion, and the helping professions. This change sets the stage for future growth in critical areas such as technology management, nursing, and social work, among others, allowing us to meet emerging workforce demands while honoring our long history as a leader in educator preparation.
   
• School of Business becomes College of Business and Entrepreneurship
  This renaming preserves the identity of our top-notch and AACSB-accredited business programs, known for their strong alignment with industry needs, global perspectives, and focus on preparing students for leadership roles, but also acknowledges a strong commitment to innovation and enterprise.
   
• School of Communication, Media, and the Arts becomes College of Communication, Media, and the Arts
  The new name emphasizes its vibrant role in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technological innovation. This college, to be housed in Hewitt Hall, our new $80 million state-of-the-art facility, will continue to prepare students for leadership in fields such as media production, art and graphic design, performance, and communication studies. Highlights of the new facility, which will open in early Fall 2025, include two broadcasting studios, a podcasting studio, a newsroom, an animation lab, a film screening room, a white box gallery, a virtual reality suite, a music performance space, and various specialized labs and classrooms.

The renaming initiative brings several advantages for SUNY Oswego:

• Opportunities for Programmatic Growth and Fundraising
  The new names provide a framework for future development, including the addition of new degree programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, and professional credentials. For example, the College of Education, Health, and Human Services is positioned to expand into high-demand fields like nursing and social work, while the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering offers opportunities to further integrate STEM with humanities and social sciences. These new pathways offer myriad opportunities for fundraising from individuals and corporations, as well as grant funding.
   
• Improved Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  By emphasizing unique strengths in each college, this renaming fosters a more cohesive academic identity while supporting collaboration across units. This is essential for preparing students for careers that demand cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills.
   
• Stronger Alignment with External Partners
  The renaming improves our ability to attract grants, research funding, and partnerships with employers and community organizations. Furthermore, it signals our readiness to lead in addressing regional and global challenges through innovative programming.
   
• Enhanced Prestige and Visibility
  This change aligns SUNY Oswego with peer institutions nationally and internationally, elevating the stature of our academic units. It allows prospective students, families, and external partners to immediately recognize the depth and quality of our offerings.

Looking Ahead

This change is not just about nomenclature; it reflects SUNY Oswego’s ongoing journey of growth and transformation. To ensure the success of this transition, we will be working closely with faculty, staff, and students to engage our stakeholders through marketing and outreach efforts to reinforce the values of our schools and programs, as well as the strengths of our outstanding faculty and students. For more information, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document we have prepared for this endeavor.

This renaming reflects the hard work, collaboration, dedication, and innovation that define the SUNY Oswego community. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, and leadership teams who contributed to this vision, as well as to the students who inspire us to grow and evolve as an institution.

Let us celebrate this moment as we take another step toward securing SUNY Oswego’s place as a leader in higher education, empowering students to make a difference in the world.

Engagements

Details about my internal and external activities in furtherance of SUNY Oswego’s mission and strategic priorities are available online.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I write to share the news that Dr. Prabakar Kothandaraman, dean of the School of Business, will be leaving SUNY Oswego to assume the role of dean of the College of Business and Economics at Towson University in Maryland, effective July 2, 2025.

Since joining SUNY Oswego in 2019, Dean Kothandaraman has led the School of Business with vision and dedication. Under his leadership, the school has strengthened its AACSB accreditation; aligned the school more closely with industry practices by integrating cutting-edge content into the classroom; laid the groundwork for the forthcoming Center for Business Excellence and Transformation (CBET); and consistently fostered innovation to connect faculty expertise and student learning with community needs—promoting engagement and societal impact.

While we are saddened to see him leave, we take pride in his accomplishments and look forward to the contributions he will make at Towson University. Please join me in congratulating Dean Kothandaraman as he embarks on this next chapter in his professional journey.

Plans regarding interim leadership and the search for the next dean will be shared with the campus community in the coming weeks.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

SUNY Central has provided guidance for all employees regarding appropriate procedures to follow when interacting with outside law enforcement officials. It is essential that we understand and adhere to these protocols to ensure both compliance and the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Please review this document carefully and refer to it in any situation where outside law enforcement seeks information or access.

Additionally, we have received updated guidance in alignment with Executive Order 170.1, which outlines New York State policy concerning access to state services and buildings by external entities. These guidelines are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment.

Together, in partnership with SUNY Central, we will continue to take all necessary steps to protect and support every member of our university community. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Murat Yaşar as deputy to the president for strategy, planning and special projects. A distinguished scholar and leader in higher education, Dr. Yaşar brings to the role a wealth of experience, a visionary approach, and a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence. His long-standing dedication to SUNY Oswego, along with his significant contributions to the campus community, makes him an ideal choice for this key position. He succeeds Mary Toale, who served in this role before joining SUNY Geneseo as provost last March.

In his new role, Dr. Yaşar will provide leadership and oversight of the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (IRA), serve as a senior advisor to the president, lead the important work of aligning the university’s strategic priorities with its mission and goals, as well as other special projects as assigned. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, he will oversee, in consultation with the university leadership team, the implementation and evaluation of the university’s strategic plan and Vision 4040 for a more educated region as well as advancing the Oswego Promise of expanding access to higher education. Dr. Yaşar will lead the President’s Professional Development Series, which focuses on building leadership capacity to advance our strategic priorities, through initiatives like the annual retreat and planning and assessment workshops. Additionally, he will manage high-priority and confidential assignments, represent the president in labor relations with unions such as United University Professions, the Civil Service Employees Association and the Public Employees Federation, and work collaboratively with appropriate campus and system units to provide guidance on personnel matters related to SUNY policies, faculty bylaws and union agreements.

Dr. Yaşar has served SUNY Oswego in a variety of academic and administrative roles since 2013, including his current position as associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and professor of history. As associate dean of CLAS, he oversaw the reporting and faculty support needs of more than 45 programs and supported the success of nearly 3,000 students annually. He strengthened faculty development through mentoring programs, professional workshops, and tenure and promotion guidance, fostering a culture of collaboration and academic excellence. His administrative efforts also included planning and assessment initiatives, such as leading annual reporting processes, program self-studies and institutional decision-making. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the interim chair of the Human Development Department, overseeing the day-to-day management needs and helping create a vibrant and energetic department culture. Dr. Yaşar has also distinguished himself through his dedication to shared governance and collaborative service on campus, serving on more than 40 campus-wide and departmental committees.

A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Dr. Yaşar led the CLAS DEI Committee and helped CLAS integrate DEI objectives into academic programs, supporting the creation of courses addressing social justice. He assisted in the launch of new programs in emerging fields, including Latino and Latin American Studies and Child Advocacy Studies, as well as participated in initiatives such as online learning and interdisciplinary opportunities in human development, e-sports and hazard communications.

Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Dr. Yaşar is a respected scholar of Ottoman and Eurasian history, with research published in peer-reviewed journals and books. He has received numerous accolades, including the Peterson Literary Fund Grand Prix for Excellence in Translation. Dr. Yaşar earned his Ph.D. in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto and advanced degrees in international relations and history from Bilkent University and Middle East Technical University. His multilingual and interdisciplinary expertise reflects his wide-ranging contributions to higher education.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Yaşar to this pivotal role as we look forward to his leadership in advancing SUNY Oswego’s mission and fostering a community defined by innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

Happy New Year and welcome to the start of an exciting spring semester! I hope this message finds you refreshed, recharged, and ready to dive into the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.

Over the winter break, I had the privilege of traveling both within the US and abroad. But, as always, there is no greater feeling than returning home to our vibrant campus community – even with the snow! I hope the warmth and welcoming spirit of our campus nurtures your soul as much as it does mine.

This semester, I look forward to sharing updates and engaging with you about several key university initiatives, including the launch of our 2025 Strategic Plan. This plan represents a pivotal moment for SUNY Oswego as we chart our collective course for the future and shaping a bold vision for what lies ahead.

I’m thrilled for what we will accomplish this spring and beyond, and I encourage everyone to embrace the season with optimism, determination, and the collaborative spirit that defines our Laker family. Whether you are returning or new to our campus, know that you belong here, and your contributions are vital to our success.

Here’s to a productive, fulfilling semester—and may the snowfall remind us of the beauty and resilience of our home on the lakeshore.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

As the year draws to a close, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for the achievements of our university community. Together, we have made remarkable progress on our journey of transforming lives and igniting possibilities for our region. Our shared commitment continues to shape our bright future and strengthen our role as a driver of opportunity and innovation for Central New York and beyond.
 
Our 2023-24 annual report delineates our key accomplishments, particularly those related to SUNY’s four pillars and our priorities: student success; economic development and upward mobility; sustainable community; campus renewal; and institutional recognitions.
 
In my message last month, I highlighted our many achievements in the arena of student success, made possible by significant investment from SUNY central and other sources, as well as the ingenuity and dedication of our campus community. This month, I’d like to update you on substantial progress we’ve made to ensure campus safety while improving our relationship with the volunteer fire departments that serve our campus. Back in July, I reported that our university was amending its fire response protocols to reduce calls to the firefighters by employing our University Police to serve as first responders. We also instituted mandatory fire safety training for students, as well as unannounced room checks in the residence halls. Thanks to these measures, as well as the work of staff and cooperation of our students, our calls to the city and county fire departments were reduced significantly.
 
The numbers tell the story: From Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2023, outside first responders came to 87 calls, while in 2024, during those same months, only 10 incidents warranted first-responder attention, an 88.5 percent reduction. Due to education and student cooperation, total alarms during those periods saw a 21 percent reduction, down from 87 to 69.
 
I greatly appreciate how our community stepped up together to address the important issue of fire safety and the impact it was having on our neighbors. The data to date shows that through planning, education and cooperation, we can make a difference. When we all focus on positive change, we wield tremendous power.
 
We will continue to use our collective power in transformative ways in the months ahead. We will start the new year by unveiling our new strategic plan, which will operationalize our Vision 4040, dedicated to creating a more educated region and boosting economic development. This plan will focus on expanding access, improving retention, and preparing students for meaningful careers. We also will celebrate the reopening of Hewitt Hall, our state-of-the-art center for communications, media and arts studies.
 
As we seek to attract and retain more students to our community, we are forming a Strategic Enrollment Management task force, which will take a campus-wide approach to ensuring the student experience is optimal, that at-risk students get timely support, and that our transfer processes are seamless. This group will begin convening in the spring semester.
 
We also will begin the process of strengthening our brand and deepening our presence in our hometown and throughout the state. This multi-year rebranding project will firmly establish SUNY Oswego as a university committed to student success through a dedicated and accomplished faculty and a welcoming and supportive environment. And, of course, we will emphasize our presence on Lake Ontario – a majestic backdrop to many of our educational programs. For students who wish to attend our Syracuse campus, we will more vigorously promote our presence as well as our brand values and high-quality programs.
 
Finally, this has been a busy time as we wrap up a very successful fall semester, culminating in our December 14 commencement, where about 400 students and their loved ones will celebrate a joyous life-changing milestone. In addition, I invite you to view my internal and external engagements for the month.
 
As we prepare to embrace 2025, I remain deeply grateful to all of you—faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. Your dedication, creativity, and shared commitment to our mission have made this year extraordinary. Together, we are building a university that not only transforms lives but also uplifts our communities.
 
May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and the warmth of connection. Let us welcome the new year with optimism and determination, ready to achieve even greater heights together.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Heath Wood as the Vice President for University Advancement at SUNY Oswego. Heath will begin his tenure on January 21, 2025, bringing to our campus a deep commitment to the transformative power of higher education and a vision for advancing our mission through philanthropy, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Heath’s personal journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of education. His grandfather, born into a coal mining community, used the G.I. Bill to attend college after serving in the Air Force, ultimately becoming a NASA engineer. Heath’s mother continued this legacy by teaching English at a community college, instilling in him an early appreciation for how education shapes lives. These family experiences have deeply influenced Heath’s professional philosophy and fueled his commitment to ensuring that higher education is accessible to all.

At Georgia State University, where he has served for more than a decade and is currently the assistant vice president for advancement, corporate and foundation relations, Heath has played a key role in raising over $80 million to support initiatives that break down barriers to student success. His efforts have helped launch and sustain programs like Georgia State LIFT, which empowers underrepresented students to achieve graduation rates far exceeding national averages, and WomenLead, which prepares women for leadership roles across diverse fields.

Heath’s work reflects his belief that education is a catalyst for social mobility and community transformation. He has championed equity-centered interventions and fostered partnerships that amplify the voices of underrepresented students, ensuring their stories resonate with funders and stakeholders alike. Heath’s dedication to bridging opportunity and achievement gaps aligns perfectly with SUNY Oswego’s mission and values.

Heath holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montevallo, in Alabama, and master’s degree in English literature from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada. He also has served as a member of the board of the Network of Academic Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO) and has presented at several of the group’s convenings.

In his new role, Heath will lead our efforts to advance SUNY Oswego’s ambitious Vision 4040. He is committed to collaborating across our campus and with external partners to strengthen our ability to foster student success, drive research and innovation, and serve as a hub for community engagement. His energy, creativity, and belief in the potential of every student will inspire our continued work together.

I wish to thank the members of the search committee for their collective commitment and thoughtful work. The committee was co-chaired by Kristin Croyle, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Victoria Furlong, vice president for finance and administration, and included the following members: Rodrick Andrews, assistant vice president for admissions and financial aid; Mark Baum ’81, vice chair of the Oswego University Foundation Board; Karen Crowe, interim vice president for marketing and communications; Phil Grome ’89, president of the Oswego Alumni Association Board; Christy Huynh, dean of students; Arsalan Mirjafari, the Dr. Richard S. Shineman professor of chemistry; Rameen Mohammadi, associate provost for undergraduate and special programs; Gary Morris, director of career services; Nicholas Reilly ’24, student representative; and Margaret Spillett, director of communications for university advancement.

As we welcome Heath, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mary Canale, our retiring vice president for University Advancement, for her 28 years of exceptional service to SUNY Oswego. Mary’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in fostering relationships with alumni, donors, and community partners. Her efforts have significantly strengthened our university’s ability to support students, enhance programs, and expand our reach. Mary leaves an indelible legacy, and we wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.

The university-wide celebration of Mary’s retirement is taking place this afternoon, from 2pm to 4pm in the Sheldon Ballroom. If your schedule permits, please stop by to thank Mary for her outstanding service.

Please join me in welcoming Heath Wood to SUNY Oswego and in celebrating Mary Canale’s remarkable contributions to our campus community.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Frank L. Maraviglia, a loyal and generous alumnus of SUNY Oswego, who passed away yesterday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the age of 93. Frank’s legacy as an educator, philanthropist, and advocate for students will continue to have a profound impact on the university for generations to come.

Frank graduated from SUNY Oswego in 1958 with a degree in industrial arts, a field that inspired him throughout his long and distinguished career as a teacher and professor. His dedication to education and to the belief that every student has the potential to achieve greatness led him to spend 35 years as a professor of landscape architecture at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y. Frank’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as he also served as a consultant to major global companies and worked tirelessly in community development initiatives.

In December 2023, Frank made a transformative $2 million gift to SUNY Oswego in recognition of the exceptional education he received at the university. This remarkable gift established the Maraviglia Education Enrichment Fund in the School of Education, supporting scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, and innovative programming for students. In honor of that commitment, the main entrance to the School of Education, between Wilber and Park halls, was named the Maraviglia Atrium, a fitting tribute to Frank’s lifelong commitment to education and his belief in the power of students to shape their futures. He and his family came to campus in the spring to participate in the official dedication ceremony and to tour the School of Education.

Frank’s generosity will make an enormous impact on the lives of our students for generations to come, and we are deeply grateful for his support and for the legacy he leaves behind. His work as an educator, mentor, and philanthropist exemplified the values that SUNY Oswego reveres, and we are proud to honor his memory.

We extend our deepest condolences to Frank’s family, including his brother, Raymond '61, friends, and all who knew him. He will be missed, but his impact on SUNY Oswego and on the lives of countless students will never be forgotten.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

As we near the end of the semester, I am excited to reflect on the progress and investments that continue to shape our institution and positively impact our students. We have much to be grateful for this year, thanks to the SUNY Transformation Fund and the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, the members of the State Legislature, and SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.

This critical investment has enabled us to launch initiatives that bolster student success in support of our Vision 4040 goals to create a more educated region and boost economic development in Central New York:

• Creating Seamless Transfer Pathways: We’ve strengthened relationships with our nearby community colleges through a collaboration called the Central New York Transfer Collaboration, which is simplifying transfer processes from Cayuga, Jefferson, and Onondaga community colleges to our university.
   
• Strengthening Support: SUNY Oswego proudly leads in participation with SUNY’s Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) initiative, enrolling 271 students this semester, the highest within the SUNY system. ACE provides invaluable wraparound support services, including academic and financial resources, helping to keep students on track toward graduation.
   
• Expanding Internships: SUNY’s Internship Impact Funds have created equitable access to experiential learning. In its inaugural semester, we awarded $171,000 in wages and scholarships to 207 students. By providing financial support for internships, we bridge academic learning and career readiness, especially for students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
   
• Improving Access to Financial Aid:  The FAFSA and Empire State Service Corps initiatives ensure that students can access financial aid and develop a spirit of civic responsibility. Our students have been actively helping peers navigate the FAFSA process and participating in service across New York. Through events, zoom conferences, and in-person meetings, we assisted 106 students and parents in completing their FAFSA and TAP applications. Thanks in part to these efforts by our students and professional financial aid team, FAFSA submissions in Oswego County have increased by seven percent year over year.
   
• Bolstering Mental Health Services: Recognizing the vital role of mental health in student success, we have expanded support through the SUNY Transformation Fund. Chancellor King chose SUNY Oswego to announce this $10 million systemwide initiative last February, where he visited with students and counselors at our Mary Walker Health Center. Thanks to this funding, we are adding counselors, including specialists for marginalized students, commenced tele-counseling to improve access for online and Syracuse campus students, extended summer counseling, and increased pay for per diem staff. These enhancements ensure mental health resources are accessible, equitable, and effective for all.
   
• Taking Aim at Retention and Graduation Rates: A $1.9 million federal Title III grant is helping us boost retention and graduation rates by addressing equity gaps in academic performance and improving faculty development. This investment is vital to our goal of reaching an 80 percent retention rate over the next five years, and ultimately realizing Vision 4040. Thanks to this support, we are implementing early intervention strategies, enlisting faculty support for course redesign and more effective pedagogy and enhancing academic advising.

It has been a busy but fulfilling time indeed, as my engagements for the month confirm.

Next month, we look forward to celebrating more than 475 graduates who will join a spirited corps of over 95,000 SUNY Oswego alumni dedicated to regional economic development and social mobility. As part of our commitment to educational attainment throughout our region, our Shineman Oswego Scholarships will continue to empower Oswego County residents, providing financial support to students who represent the future of Central New York.

I am immensely grateful for the collective dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, whose efforts make these achievements possible. Together, we are moving toward a brighter future for SUNY Oswego and our region.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. May this season bring joy, rest, and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

It has come to our attention that students across the country, including some from SUNY Oswego, have received deeply disturbing text messages today. To be clear, this type of message has no place at our institution.

This matter has already been referred to New York State law enforcement agencies, and our University Police department is aware and ready to take action if necessary. Anyone who has received these disturbing text messages, or has any information about them, is asked to call University Police 24 hours a day at 1-315-312-5555 or by dialing 5555 on a campus telephone.

Support is available for SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff members who are impacted by these messages.

• Students may visit Counseling Services at the Mary Walker Health Center, or receive assistance 24 hours a day by calling 1-315-312-4416.
• Faculty and staff members may seek assistance from the Employee Assistance Program by calling the EAP Program Coordinator, Mangala Nanthakumar, at 1-315-312-5546 or after hours and on weekends by calling 1-800-822-0244, which is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding harassment, please contact Deputy Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Affirmative Action Officer Anneke McEvoy via email at [email protected] or by calling 315-312-2238. You may also report incidents of bias via the Bias Prevention and Response Team website.

Again, bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have no place on our campus.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

At SUNY Oswego, we seek to provide a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where all students and employees can be fully engaged, feel safe and respected, and are able to thrive. So, it is important that we assess our campus climate regularly.

As a result, SUNY System and our institution are working with Viewfinder Campus Climate Surveys LLC to administer a SUNY Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Campus Climate Survey for students and employees from Nov. 12, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025.

Expect to receive an invitation email on Nov. 12 to participate; the anonymous survey takes place online and will be made accessible to anyone who needs accommodation. Your participation in the survey is voluntary; it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

We value your voice, and value this opportunity to share your experiences and perceptions of the current campus climate. The survey results will be used to identify strengths and opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus. To ensure that your responses remain confidential, no personal identifying information will be collected from you.

As a thank you to students, 50 students will receive $100 Dining Dollars gift certificates via random drawings. To ensure anonymity, this is a drawing students will be able to enter by clicking a separate link at the end of their survey.

For the survey, you will receive an email directly from Viewfinder Campus Climate Surveys, LLC inviting you. If you have any questions, please contact Kendra Cadogan, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at [email protected] or Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer at the SUNY System Administration Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Ricardo Nazario-Colón at [email protected].

Thank you again for your time and for all you do to strengthen the Laker family!

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I am pleased to announce the formation of the President's Student Advisory Board for Inclusive Excellence (SABIE), which held its inaugural meeting on October 21, 2024. This newly established advisory board was seated following an open call for student members and is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment.
 
At the first meeting, I formally charged the board to engage in meaningful discussions about SUNY Oswego’s campus climate, identify areas for improvement, review relevant data and best practices, and provide recommendations for action to me and other senior leaders. The board will convene monthly throughout the academic year under the leadership of Vice President for Student Affairs Kathleen G. Kerr and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Kendra Cadogan.
 
SABIE was created in line with the principles outlined in “Making Excellence Inclusive: A Framework for Embedding Diversity and Inclusion into Colleges and Universities’ Academic Excellence Mission” (Clayton-Pederson et al., 2013). According to this framework, inclusive excellence involves more than just focusing on numbers or programs; it’s about building a culture where diversity and inclusion become foundational to learning, research, institutional functioning, community engagement, and workforce development.
 
SUNY Oswego strives for inclusive excellence by bringing together a community of individuals with diverse identities, perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in pursuit of our mission: “to contribute to the common good by lighting the path to wisdom and empowering every person in the college community to pursue a meaningful life as a productive, responsible member of society.” Achieving this mission relies on open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn from one another.
 
Through regular meetings, SABIE will serve as a forum for exchanging information and identifying data-informed solutions on matters affecting campus climate, student belonging, and student success at the university. Though not a decision-making body, SABIE will focus on identifying and celebrating campus successes while examining challenges and proposing thoughtful solutions. Honesty and transparency are essential to this work.
 
If you are a student interested in joining SABIE for the 2024-2025 academic year, please submit this application.
 
I look forward to the positive impact that SABIE will have in fostering a more supportive, inclusive, and vibrant SUNY Oswego community.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I am pleased to share with you the new SUNY Transfer Task Force Report, a key initiative led by Chancellor John B. King, Jr. and developed in collaboration with campus leaders, faculty, and other stakeholders across the system. This report outlines comprehensive recommendations to enhance the transfer process for students moving between SUNY campuses, with a particular focus on supporting those transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions like SUNY Oswego.

As a community committed to student success and retention, we recognize that streamlining the transfer experience is vital to ensuring timely degree completion and seamless educational transitions; it is the reason we created the Central New York Transfer Collaboration with Cayuga, Jefferson, and Onondaga community colleges. The recommendations in this report are designed to address key areas such as credit acceptance, clarity in transfer policies, and fostering stronger partnerships across SUNY campuses. 

We encourage our campus community to review the full report and take part in the public comment period, which is open through November 25, 2024. Your participation will be instrumental in shaping the final recommendations that will be brought before the SUNY Board of Trustees for approval.

Together, we can continue to ensure that SUNY Oswego and the broader SUNY system provide every student the opportunity to succeed in their academic journey.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

I am writing to address an incident that occurred on September 21, 2024 during the Annual ALANA Peace Walk, a cherished SUNY Oswego tradition which began 14 years ago -- an event that brings our community together in celebration of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Toward the end of the event, as the 60 or so participants were approaching the Marano Campus Center from a peace walk that began at the Oswego City Hall, a driver of a car was reported to have displayed aggressive and frightening behavior toward walk participants, who were primarily students representing our many multicultural organizations and some administrators, faculty, and staff.

The university immediately commenced an investigation of the incident and continues to address the matter in line with our campus policies and procedures. I met and spoke with some of the students and staff who were present during the incident and who felt threatened because of the behavior exhibited by the driver.

I want to reassure our campus community that SUNY Oswego takes incidents of this nature very seriously, and that our campus is a place where we strive to ensure that each member feels safe and welcomed so that they may pursue their educational goals. Our campus can only thrive when we respect our institutional values of inclusivity, responsible dialogue, and respect for each other.

Let me be clear: There is no tolerance for bias or discrimination regarding race, color, and national origin on our campus. Additionally, students who engage in disruptive, menacing, harassing or discriminatory conduct will be held accountable.

I also wish to remind our community of the importance of reporting incidents of bias as well as any suspected violations of the Student Code of Conduct. To learn more about how SUNY Oswego responds to reports of bias, please visit the Bias Prevention and Response Team webpage. If you wish to report any incident, please visit this web page.

If you have been impacted by this incident or another, campus resources are available. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students, Counseling Services, or the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for additional support.

I ask that you all join me in your daily actions toward one another, to demonstrate our strong commitment to a culture of civility, kindness, dialogue, and learning – and to reject actions which are counter to those ideals.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–

Last year around this time, I was just starting my third month at SUNY Oswego—getting acquainted with our beautiful campus, meeting many of you, and gaining a deeper understanding of our university's remarkable role in our community. It was an exhilarating period that underscored our collective potential to drive educational excellence and regional prosperity. However, it also revealed some challenges, particularly regarding our financial health.

At the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year, we faced a budget shortfall of $5.4 million. Through prudent financial planning and the diligent efforts of our senior leadership, we managed to reduce that deficit to $1.9 million by year-end. That process, while challenging, underscored the importance of increasing enrollment and improving student retention to strengthen our fiscal foundation.

I am pleased to report that today, we are in a stronger position—both in terms of budget and enrollment. While we have more work ahead to reach pre-pandemic enrollment levels, we have made some important progress worth celebrating.

Enrollment Update

Our enrollment continues to be a primary source of our revenue, particularly through tuition and residence hall occupancy. This year, while overall enrollment is down slightly, we saw encouraging increases in the number of new undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students for Fall 2024. Our international enrollment grew to 215 students from 25 countries, and enrollment of underrepresented minority students increased by 26 percent. Additionally, our enrollment and residence hall occupancy exceeded the projections we made last spring, offering some much-needed relief on the budget front.

At this year’s Opening Breakfast, I spoke again about student retention as a key area we must focus on. I am encouraged by the work led by Vice President for Enrollment Management Cory Bezek in this regard, work that involves multiple campus units developing and implementing wrap-around services to support our students. I’m also proud to share that ours is the SUNY campus with the highest enrollment in the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program, a comprehensive support initiative aimed at helping Pell-eligible students achieve academic success and graduate on time. This fall, we welcomed our ACE cohort of 273 students, and we are committed to supporting them through their educational journey.

Budget Progress

With improved enrollment and residence hall revenue, we’ve made progress in addressing our budget deficit. Our total operating budget for 2024-2025 stands at $112 million. Additionally, we are receiving substantial support from SUNY, including:

• $2 million in additional operating aid,
• $133,000 to support student internships, and
• $9,000 for research.

We are forecasting a much smaller operating deficit for 2024-2025 of $880,000. As we work to eliminate this deficit, we will also focus on rebuilding our reserves to enable strategic one-time investments for our future. This is important, especially as we finalize and begin implementation of our new strategic plan. In the meantime, spending will continue to be monitored closely, and all requests to fill open positions will be reviewed by Vice President for Administration and Finance Victoria Furlong and myself.

Looking Ahead

We will discuss our budget and enrollment more fully at tomorrow’s meeting of the President’s Budget Advisory Group, from 8:00am to 9:30 am, which is accessible via Zoom. Please note you will have to sign in using your email address and password, which will bring you to the Oswego Zoom page where you will re-enter their password and then complete the multi-factor authentication. I encourage all members of our university community to join us, and if time allows, we will answer any questions you may have.

I also remain dedicated to further strengthening SUNY Oswego’s reputation, building relationships, and supporting your efforts as we work together toward a bright and sustainable future for our university. Here is a summary of my engagements during September.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President
@sunyoswego_president 

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I am deeply honored and humbled by your presence at my inauguration as the eleventh President of our wonderful university. Your support and warm wishes made the day truly special for me, my family, and my loved ones.

I look forward to working alongside each of you as we embark on this exciting new journey together, striving to elevate our university – and our region – to new heights.

Thank you for sharing this memorable moment with me.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

In my message to the campus last month, I discussed the importance of free speech and open, respectful discourse; indeed, they are vital to institutions of higher learning and fundamental to our democracy. As we approach the second month of the academic year, I once again ask all university community members to become familiar with the policies and guidelines that exist to allow us to nurture and support a university climate where inquiry and expression flourish.

These policies, which have been updated recently, provide clear guidelines on the appropriate "time, place, and manner" for expressions of speech. They aim to minimize disruptions and maintain the integrity of our educational mission, as well as ensure that all voices can be heard in a setting that respects the rights of all participants. Understanding and adhering to these policies can improve our ability to engage with one another in meaningful and productive ways.

If you have any questions, please direct them to [email protected].

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Today marks a solemn moment in our history as we pause to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Among those were 12 cherished alumni of SUNY Oswego, whose memories we hold dear in our hearts.

This tragic day, which remains the worst terrorist attack on our nation's soil, led to profound changes in our daily lives and policies both home and abroad. In its aftermath, we saw the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the enactment of the Patriot Act, and significant overhauls in our national security infrastructure. Internationally, it catalyzed the conflict in Afghanistan aimed at dismantling the networks that harbored terrorism.

The breadth of loss on 9/11 extended far beyond those who perished in the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a quiet field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania—where the valiant passengers of Flight 93 made the ultimate sacrifice to prevent further tragedy. It touched the lives of countless families and friends across more than 80 nations, affecting all who cherish freedom and peace.
 

Today, we remember not only those who died but also the extraordinary displays of heroism by first responders and ordinary citizens alike. Their bravery and selflessness in the face of unimaginable circumstances continue to inspire us.

Our University Police Department will commemorate this day by participating in the City of Oswego’s Silent Procession and Remembrance Ceremony. Our campus will mark each moment of the attacks with the tolling of the carillon bells at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., and 10:03 a.m.
 
Flags will be lowered to half-staff, and I invite you to visit our 9/11 Memorial Garden by the Glimmerglass Lagoon, created to honor our beloved alumni who perished in the attacks:

• James Potorti ‘72
• Wendy Morris Faulkner ‘74
• Leo Roberts ‘79
• Michael O’Brien ‘81
• Michael Collins ‘84
• Richard Caproni ‘89
• Michael Hannan ‘89
• Michael Cawley ‘91
• Melissa Renee Vincent ‘94
• Scott Bart ‘95
• James Woods ‘97
• Michelle Bratton ‘00

As we observe this anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to the values of freedom, opportunity, and justice. Let us remember that America continues to be a beacon of hope for millions because it stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit against the forces of hatred and violence.
 
Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

As we begin the first weeks of our fall semester, I am delighted to announce the reappointment of Karen Crowe as Interim Vice President for Marketing and Communications, and the appointment of Rick Buck as Interim Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications. These appointments are pivotal as SUNY Oswego moves aggressively to realize its ambitious Vision 4040.

Karen joined SUNY Oswego in December 2023. She will continue to play a key role in advancing Vision 4040. Her focus will include supporting enrollment growth, enhancing the visibility of our academic programs, and strategically positioning our Oswego and Syracuse campuses.

Karen brings more than 30 years of experience leading communications and marketing departments across the education, government, and non-profit sectors. She previously served as Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications at the City University of New York Herbert H. Lehman College, where she significantly raised the institution’s visibility. Her career also includes roles with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the New York City Office of the Mayor, and SEIU Local 32BJ. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University.

Rick, in his new role as Interim AVP, will support Karen in leading our communications and marketing team. His responsibilities will include contributing to the university’s strategic goals, executing branding initiatives, and enhancing our communication strategies. Rick will continue his close collaboration with university-wide partners and the Director of Marketing to implement data-informed campaigns and improve user experiences across multiple platforms.

Rick has dedicated over 16 years to SUNY Oswego, gaining extensive experience in digital services, user experience design, marketing, data analysis, process optimization, and management. He is known for his ability to build and lead collaborative teams, implement innovative solutions, and drive projects that enhance user experiences. His achievements in digital transformation were recognized with the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2019. Rick holds both a Master of Arts in Human-Computer Interaction (2010) and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (2005) from SUNY Oswego.

Please join me in congratulating Karen on her extended stay with us, and Rick on his new role. We look forward to their continued contributions to the success of our university.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

As we welcome the start of a new academic year, I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where free speech and open discourse are not just valued at our university, but are vigorously protected and encouraged. These principles are fundamental to our identity as an institution of higher learning and crucial for nurturing an academic climate where inquiry and expression flourish.

At SUNY Oswego, we hold dear the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. Our dedication to these principles is reflected in the robust policies we have established, designed to ensure that everyone in our university community can engage in dialogue and express their views safely and respectfully. These policies are grounded in our Constitution’s First Amendment, which safeguards the rights to speak, listen, and debate.

Ultimately, SUNY Oswego strives to ensure a safe environment for all constitutionally protected speech, regardless of its content or viewpoint. For this reason, the University will remain a neutral venue and provide the same level of safety and respect to all speakers.

In cultivating this environment, we provide clear guidelines on the appropriate "time, place, and manner" for expressions of speech. These guidelines aim to minimize disruptions and maintain the integrity of our educational mission, as well as ensure that all voices can be heard in a setting that respects the rights of all participants.

I encourage everyone to become familiar with our policies and guidelines, developed in consultation with SUNY System. Understanding and adhering to these can improve our ability to engage with one another in meaningful and productive ways.

Free speech is the cornerstone of our democracy, and your active participation in our academic community's discourse is vital. By engaging thoughtfully and respectfully, you help ensure that free expression and debate remain hallmarks of the SUNY Oswego culture.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Welcome Lakers!

Join us at our fall 2024 welcoming events:

Faculty/Staff

Opening Breakfast 
Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, Marano Campus Center

Academic Affairs Retreat
Tuesday, Aug. 20 | 9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, Marano Campus Center
RSVP Form
 

Students and Faculty/Staff

Opening Picnic
Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 5 - 6:45 p.m.
Parking Lot E-31 (Between Marano Campus Center and Penfield Library)

Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony
Wednesday, Aug. 21 | 8:15 - 9 p.m.
Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, Marano Campus Center

Taste of Oswego
Thursday, Aug. 22 | 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Parking Lot E-31 (Between Marano Campus Center and Penfield Library)

Paint the Road Green
Thursday, Aug. 22 | 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Marano Campus Center Bus Loop

“O” Photo Shoot
Thursday, Aug. 22 | 1:30 - 2 p.m.
Lee Hall Soccer Field

Color Oswego Run/Walk
Friday, Aug. 30 | 4 p.m.
Glimmerglass Fitness Center

For more information on these and additional events, visit: calendar.oswego.edu

For the latest news visit: oswego.edu/news

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I am pleased to announce that SUNY Oswego has developed new protocols aimed at bolstering the safety and security of our campus community while reducing the number of calls to the Fire Department. Developed through an extensive campus-wide action plan and in collaboration with local fire response partners, these measures will take effect on August 1.

I am very pleased that all parties were able to come together in a spirit of collegiality to find a solution that will keep both our campus community and our neighbors safe. After an initial meeting with town officials and firefighters on January 23, 2024, I committed to work toward a solution that would safely reduce the number of calls to the fire department from the campus.

In the intervening period, senior staff consulted with other SUNY campuses, as well as the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and Johnson Controls, Inc., the university’s fire safety consultant. These consultations resulted in the development of an action plan that have been reviewed and discussed with representatives from the town and city fire departments.

The action plan pertains to three areas: internal response to fire alarms; student education, awareness, and enforcement; and establishment of a campus fire safety task force.

Initial Response to Alarms

To enhance internal response efficiency, University Police will now take a more active role in response to a single fire alarm activation on campus. In instances where multiple alarms are activated, fire response partners will respond via 911 dispatch. In all cases, student residence halls will be evacuated until an all clear is issued. To ensure the effectiveness of these protocols, testing and training of our systems and employees is being conducted from now until mid-July.

Student Education, Awareness, and Enforcement

SUNY Oswego is also implementing new regulations for the enforcement of fire safety violations. The Office of Student Conduct will oversee strict enforcement with escalating sanctions for repeat offenses, including deferred suspension for tampering with safety equipment or failing to evacuate during alarms. Regular and unannounced inspections will be conducted collaboratively by Residence Life, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations. Additionally, enhanced training and education is being provided to new students and returning students through a variety of modalities, including on-line and in-person.

Establishment of Campus Fire Safety Task Force

To oversee the implementation and ongoing review of these fire safety measures, I have established a dedicated Campus Fire Safety Task Force. This task force, co-chaired by senior leaders from Residential Life, Facilities Services, and University Police, will focus on student education, staff training, and risk reduction in residence halls.

I would like to thank Victoria Furlong, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Scott Swayze, University police chief; and Kathleen Kerr, Vice President for Student Affairs; and their teams for their leadership in this vital initiative. I also would like to thank representatives from the city and town fire departments who met with us to refine our protocols. We also owe a debt of thanks to Town Supervisor Dan Gurney and our SUNY system Senior Counsel Peter Harrington for their guidance.

Our commitment is to maintain a safe living and learning environment for everyone on campus. In this regard, we will continue to engage with the fire departments on a regular basis as we start implementation of the new protocols. I also ask our campus community to cooperate and adhere to these new protocols, which take effect August 1.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

It is with mixed emotions that I share some personnel-related news with you all: Mary Canale, our esteemed vice president for university advancement, will retire on Dec. 31, 2024, after 28 years of unwavering dedication and service to the university.

Mary first joined the Laker family as an undergraduate psychology major. She joined the staff in 1996 as coordinator of the Oswego State Fall Classic, and the following year, became assistant director of development. In 2002, she instituted the major gifts program. From 2007 to 2016, she served as associate vice president for development. In 2016, she was named vice president for university advancement and president of the Oswego University Foundation.

Last summer, following the announcement of my appointment as your president, Mary visited me in New York City to share her plans to retire. I was very moved by her candor and grace. During our many travels throughout the country to visit alumni and donors, Mary’s easy rapport with Lakers from all backgrounds was so very impressive.

Indeed, Mary’s warmth, enthusiasm and boundless energy enabled her to connect with our 94,000 alumni and helped her garner their support to advance the university’s strategic priorities. She has been an instrumental member of the university’s leadership team. In my nine months as your president, I have relied on Mary’s exceptional skills, insight and judgment, so much so that I asked her to serve as co-chair of the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

Mary’s leadership was integral to the success of the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaigns as well as the Path Forward, Possibility, Marano, the current Transforming Lives scholarship programs, the naming of the Marano Campus Center in 2014, Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall in 2021, James A. Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity and Transformative Practice in 2022, and the School of Education’s Frank and Gloria Maraviglia Atrium in 2024. She also oversaw the expansion of the alumni and development areas to include career services.

As the university’s principal fundraiser, she has helped to achieve unprecedented growth in the school’s endowment, which consistently shows stronger returns than peers. Under her leadership, the endowment has more than doubled from $29.5 million in 2016 to $70 million today. In today’s tumultuous investment environment, Mary’s success in growing the endowment is a testament to her tenacity and wisdom.

We will begin the task of searching for a new vice president for university advancement in the coming months, and we are working with RPA, Inc., a national firm with expertise in higher education, to help recruit candidates for this pivotal role. RPA, Inc. will host a series of listening sessions the weeks of June 3, 2024, and June 10, 2024, to hear perspectives from campus community on this important leadership position. Additionally, if you know of any candidates who may be interested in this position, please share the posted announcement when it becomes available.

I have also convened a search committee, which will be co-chaired by Vice President for Administration and Finance Victoria Cafalone Furlong '08 M'10 and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kristin Croyle. The committee will be composed of members of the campus community as well as a member from both the Alumni Association and University Foundation. The search is expected to take approximately six months, and we hope to seat a new vice president by Jan. 1, 2025.

Please join me in celebrating Mary’s remarkable tenure, expressing our appreciation for her exceptional service to SUNY Oswego, and wishing her well on her next adventure. Though she may be retiring from her official role, her impact on our campus will resonate for decades to come.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Engagements:

You can find a list of my meetings during the last month with internal and external stakeholders on this page.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community- 

We have received more clarity on the provisions of the enacted 2024/25 New York State budget as they pertain to SUNY. Please see the Chancellor’s letter below and read the detailed summary of operating funds, capital funds, and non-fiscal legislative items via this document.

This information will be discussed at this morning’s convening of the President’s Budget Advisory Group, which will be held from 9:30 to 11 am. It is accessible via Zoom at this link. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the webinar link.

Remain well, 
 
Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D.
President

 
Dear Presidents,

I am pleased to report that the State budget process has concluded and that it has been another very good year for SUNY. Thank you for all of your advocacy, and I know I speak for all of us when I express gratitude to Governor Hochul and our champions in the Senate and Assembly.

You can find our public statement at this link and attached please find a detailed summary of operating funds, capital funds, and non-fiscal legislative items. A few highlights: We are receiving a $114 million increase in operating funding for State-operated campuses ($60 million more than had been promised to us); $8 million in additional support for community colleges to meet urgent needs (on top of the $85 million Community College Funding Floor); more capital investment for both our State-operated campuses and hospitals than the Executive had initially proposed; reversal of cuts to programs like the EOP; and financial support for important new initiatives including the Empire State Service Corps as well as expansion of TAP.

The final budget includes approval of Governor Hochul’s groundbreaking Empire AI initiative, and vital legislation to make completion of the FAFSA universal for high school seniors. Finally, I am extremely pleased that we achieved agreement on a plan for a stronger SUNY Downstate that will cover our short-term deficit while creating a path, with community engagement, to a sustainable long-term solution that reflects up to a $750 million capital investment in Downstate’s future – reversing decades of disinvestment.

I look forward to discussing the budget in detail at our next Presidents Meeting. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to the SUNY System team with any questions.

Sincerely,

John B. King, Jr., J.D., Ed.D.

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

As you know, for the past several months, we have been developing a strategic plan to operationalize our Vision 4040 and move toward a more educated and economically empowered region. We began this process in November with a campus-wide Town Hall and the subsequent formation of a Strategic Plan Steering Committee, led by Provost Scott Furlong and Faculty Assembly President and Professor Elizabeth Schmitt and then-Deputy to the President for Strategy and Planning Mary Toale.  The committee’s work was guided by our Vision 4040 document, SUNY Oswego’s current institutional priorities, SUNY’s four pillars, and the American Association of State Colleges and University’s (AASCU) Postsecondary Value Commission’s Action Agenda.

In the intervening months, the Steering Committee has engaged a wide cross-section of the campus community through focus groups, engagement sessions, and other work, facilitated by Dr. Timothy Mottet, former president, Colorado State University, Pueblo, and Dr. John Jasinski, former president, Northwest Missouri State University, with support from AASCU.

Through this process, the committee identified three strategic “drivers” that should direct our strategy and performance as we seek to reach Vision 4040: growing enrollment and retention, expanding branding and marketing, and enhancing supports for students, faculty, and staff.  Updates on the strategic planning process are available on our website.

As we enter the next phase of our planning, the committee would like to update the members of the campus community about the work to date, and the important steps ahead.  Please join me, Provost Furlong, Professor Schmitt, and members of the committee at a Strategic Planning Town Hall, to be held on Wednesday, April 10, from 3 to 4pm in room 201 of the Marano Campus Center; it will also be accessible via this Zoom link . The gathering will start with a brief presentation followed by the opportunity for participants to ask questions and share their thoughts on the committee’s work. I encourage everyone to attend.

This effort has demanded a great deal of time and thought from our finest and most dedicated community members, and I am grateful to all those who contributed their perspectives and vision. The work has been so comprehensive and compelling that AASCU, in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has awarded SUNY Oswego a Strategic Collaborative grant to help with this process. Congratulations to all who have contributed to achieving this prestigious recognition. SUNY Oswego is one of five regional public universities in the nation to be so recognized!

I look forward to seeing you on April 10 to advance our important mission. 

Engagements:

Visit my website to see my recent engagements with internal and external stakeholders in support of SUNY Oswego.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of former SUNY Oswego President Stephen L. Weber. Dr. Weber passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024. He enjoyed a long and remarkable career in higher education administration; his first presidency, in 1988, was at SUNY Oswego. He then went on to serve as interim provost for the SUNY system and later as president of San Diego State University (SDSU). In every role he took on, he served with distinction and a deep commitment to expanding access to higher education for all students.

Dr. Weber served as SUNY Oswego’s president from 1988 to 1995; these years were transformative to the institution. Dr. Weber’s efforts led to a sizable increase in enrollment and in academic offerings for those who attended. Moreover, he championed accessibility and diversity, and the results were a sizable increase in the percentage of students, faculty, and staff of color.

One of the most significant changes during Dr. Weber’s administration was the creation of the School of Business and the School of Education as standalone entities with distinct identities. Previously part of the Division of Professional Studies, the establishment of these schools in 1992 allowed these academic areas to develop and thrive with their own identities, as they continue to do more than 30 years later. He also focused on other ways to reach those who could benefit from a college degree, establishing evening classes in 1989 as part of a wider effort to support part-time and non-traditional learners.

Dr. Weber also supported greater investment in research for faculty in all areas of the institution, realizing that innovation and ideas were key to making Oswego increasingly competitive in the field of higher education.

In addition, Dr. Weber saw the institution’s potential for leadership in the business community as both an economic engine as well as a place that could support skills development for the workforce. He spearheaded the launch of the Business and Industry Center, the forerunner of the university’s Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations.

“It is a great job and a wonderful privilege to be president of SUNY Oswego,” he told The Oswego Palladium-Times upon his move to become SUNY’s interim provost in 1995. In truth, SUNY Oswego was blessed for the leadership, vision, and enthusiasm he provided us.

In his kind and personal congratulatory message to me shortly after I was named president last year, Dr. Weber described SUNY Oswego as “a strong, healthy, and promising place, thanks in large part to the magnificent work” of his successor, Deborah F. Stanley. “It was an honor/privilege,” he added, “to be her predecessor.”

To the members of our community who knew Dr. Weber and to his large circle of family and loved ones, I express my deepest condolences. His life’s work was bringing the promise of opportunity to thousands of young people and his many achievements will not soon be forgotten.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I’d like to give you a status report on one of the important components of our work on Vision 4040: increasing the number of transfer students who choose SUNY Oswego. Over a third of our new baccalaureate students transfer to the university each year after completing coursework or associate degrees at other institutions. We have the capacity to increase that number, and we are in the process of building a robust infrastructure to make that increase a reality. We have always worked with our community college transfers to make the student experience as straightforward as possible, making us a leader for transfer students; these new efforts will help us continue improving in this space.

Earlier this year, with technical and funding support from SUNY Central, we launched the Central New York Transfer Coalition (CNYTC), a partnership between Cayuga, Jefferson, and Onondaga Community Colleges and SUNY Oswego, to enhance seamless transfer pathways to Oswego for community college students. The ultimate goals of this coalition are to create an environment where transfer students receive credit for all the classes they’ve taken and to ensure that all their credits count towards the degree they seek. Transcripts are evaluated in days, not weeks, like our competitors. High school seniors entering community college will know from Day One what courses they’ll need for their associate and bachelor’s degrees. All colleges in the coalition will be in constant contact to provide the right information and the support and encouragement transfer students need to succeed.

Creating a clear path to a degree involves working with our partners to define pathways, reduce credit duplication, identify the number of credits that will count towards a degree, and reduce the red tape that often discourages students from pursuing transfer. In addition, this work requires us to develop ways to accommodate reverse transfer opportunities for students who are academically dismissed at Oswego to return to our partner community college to complete the needed requirements, with the goal of returning to Oswego after a semester or two.

Establishing this coalition is a big step toward realizing Vision 4040, but it is just the beginning. The presidents of each college in the coalition came together last fall to plan the important work. In the coming weeks, working groups led by Provost Scott Furlong and Vice President for Enrollment Cory Bezek will begin to help reshape the transfer experience, work that will create a climate of student success throughout the region and help advance our grand vision for the future.

If you have any thoughts on how we can better support our transfer students, please drop a line at [email protected].

In other news:

As you recall, Hanover Research, a global leader in higher education services based in Virginia, is currently conducting market research about our university. The first part of the work, focusing on brand perceptions among current students, faculty, and staff, has been completed. That information will be very useful as we develop our advertising and marketing campaigns. Read the Hanover report on phase one at this link (LakerNet ID may be required).

Phase two, which will focus on external audiences in the tri-state area, is just getting underway and should be completed by the end of the semester. I am very eager to learn more about the public’s perceptions about our wonderful university and the transformative work we do.

Engagements:

Visit my website to see my recent engagements with internal and external stakeholders in support of SUNY Oswego.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that professor emerita of education, former member of the Oswego University Foundation Board of Directors and philanthropist, Barbara Palmer Shineman ’65 M’71 CAS’88, died peacefully Feb. 28, at her home in Fayetteville, N.Y. She was 95.

Barbara was a professor emerita of education. Her teaching career at SUNY Oswego began in 1965 at the Campus School (later known as the Swetman Learning Center), a campus-based learning laboratory for future teachers, counselors, psychologists and administrators where innovative teaching and learning methods were developed. After 11 years at the Campus School, she continued her career as a professor of elementary education until her retirement in 1989.

Her impact on generations of teachers as well as community members is tremendous. Barbara’s devotion to her alma mater for nearly 60 years was remarkable but also very much in character with her love of education and our campus. Barbara believed, as I do, that higher education allows you to pursue your dreams, develop confidence and enable success.

Barbara, along with the Shineman Foundation which was founded by Barbara in memory of her late husband Richard S. Shineman, in 2013 gifted the university $5 million – the largest cash donation ever received by the university at the time. The gift established the first named chair of the chemistry department and provided funding for a flexible pool of earnings, managed by a campus committee, to support educational and cultural opportunities. In recognition of the gift, the SUNY Board of Trustees approved the naming of the then new science complex, the Richard S. Shineman Center for Science, Engineering and Innovation.

In 2018, the Shineman Foundation donated $1 million to expand and name the Sheldon Institute for Barbara Shineman Scholars, the 45-year-old summertime educational enrichment program for area schoolchildren that she had originally helped establish. During her tenure, she personally developed the curricula for the program and delivered the teacher training for those participating in the institute, offering a significant professional development opportunity for regional teachers. The gift and the institute's naming were timed to honor Barbara Shineman on her 90th birthday in April 2018.

Respected and loved, she was a powerful voice for good. She transformed lives and increased upward mobility. Barbara will have a lasting impact on our institution and our students. 
 

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I understand that my message today regarding recent incidents of defacing university property was interpreted by some as correlating the term “Free Palestine” with hate speech. It was not my intent. Investigations are ongoing pertaining to the defacement of Tyler Hall and the sign hung in MCC.
 
To be clear, as I have stated previously, SUNY Oswego upholds the right of every member of the campus community to engage in free speech and civil discourse in keeping with our policies (see below) to maintain a safe environment for everyone. As citizens of the world, we debate and discuss – and even protest – to improve conditions both locally and globally.
 
I also have been clear that we have to balance our rights to free speech with the safety of our community. Achieving this balance can be challenging. As a campus, we can and should be committed to learning and growing together, regardless of the discomfort and challenge this may, at times, present.
 
The university has in place the following resources to help us maintain a safe campus while allowing for the free expression of ideas:

• If you see defacement of university property or inappropriate messaging, please reach out to campus police at 315-312-5555 or via extension 5555 on a campus telephone.
• Any suspected incident of bias should be reported to the SUNY Oswego Bias Prevention and Response Team using the online form or by contacting the Affirmative Action Officer or Human Resources.
• Guidance for campus postings, promotional materials, digital signage, and chalking can be found beginning on page 67 of the Student Handbook. It is important to note that postings are limited to designated posting areas, generally bulletin boards available in and outside of campus buildings.
• To request use of a university facility, (including outdoors), for a protest or a march, please refer to the Facilities Use Policy found on our website or on page 53 of the Student Handbook.
• Any campus community member who wishes to organize and hold such an event must first register and receive approval for the event from Campus Events and Conference Services using this link, so that we may ensure space availability, and participant safety. 

I look forward to our continuing work together to advance our mission.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Late last week, two disturbing incidents of defacement of university property were reported, both pertaining to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The first was a statement spray painted outside Tyler Hall; the second was the inappropriate hanging of a sign in the MCC. I have instructed our campus security to thoroughly investigate these incidents and seek to identify those responsible. Disciplinary measures will be initiated for those involved in these incidents.

I want to be clear and remind all members of the campus community that hate speech, or any speech that instills fear, has no place at SUNY Oswego. Such behavior is antithetical to our values of diversity, inclusion, and respect for differing viewpoints. Our campus is meant to be a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. While we uphold the rights of freedom of speech and expression, acts of vandalism and hate speech not only undermine our campus environment but also deeply affect the sense of belonging and safety of our community members.

For more about our policies regarding free expression, please visit our Free Speech, Civil Discourse and Peaceful Assembly Policy page.

If you see defacement of university property or inappropriate messaging, please reach out to campus police at 315-312-5555 or via extension 5555 on a campus telephone.

Any suspected incident of bias should be reported to the SUNY Oswego Bias Prevention and Response Team using the online form or by contacting the Affirmative Action Officer or Human Resources. Any threats to safety should be reported to University Police immediately at 315-312-5555 or 5555 from any campus phone.

We must continue to work together to maintain a campus climate where all feel valued and respected.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I am very pleased to report that we had a very productive meeting yesterday evening with members of the Oswego Town Fire Department to discuss their concerns about the number of activations that bring the firefighters to campus.

Some of you might recall that the department had petitioned the town to remove the campus from its service area because of a high call volume. Yesterday evening, my leadership team and I listened to the firefighters’ concerns and shared with them measures we have taken to reduce the number of campus calls. We asked the department to give us time to institute additional measures – many of which they suggested at the meeting. I wish to thank them for their willingness to work with us as we seek out solutions that keep our campus community safe and reduce the volume of unnecessary calls.

I will keep you posted on all new actions we take, including increased education sessions and trainings. Please be assured that safety will remain our priority now and always.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I am delighted to share some excellent news regarding our university's financial health.
 

Fundraising Successes:

In the first half of our fiscal year, we experienced remarkable success in fundraising and the growth of our endowment. Our alumni, friends, and partners have demonstrated unwavering confidence and pride in SUNY Oswego, resulting in more than $8.7 million raised thus far. Notable contributions include a generous $2 million gift from Frank Maraviglia ('58) supporting enrichment opportunities for our School of Education, and a future bequest intention of $4.5 million from an anonymous couple, dedicated to advancing scholarship support for future generations of students.

Under the diligent oversight and management of our foundation’s board of directors, our endowment reached an all-time high of $66.1 million at the close of 2023. Impressively, it returned more than six percent during the same period, marking a substantial turnaround from the market challenges faced in late summer and early fall.

Budget Milestones: 

In addressing the challenges faced at the start of the fiscal year—a $5.4 million operating deficit, which includes a recurring structural deficit—our senior leadership implemented measures to mitigate both the current year operating and ongoing structural deficits and reduce the need to deploy reserves to balance the budget. I am pleased to report that these efforts have paid off, resulting in a projected deficit of $1.6 million. You can read our Mid-Year Financial Update as well as our Enrollment and Financial Sustainability submission to SUNY Central. I commend the collaborative spirit of our university community, which has significantly improved our financial situation.

As we look ahead to FY2024-25, budget development is well underway, with initial summary reports set for review by leadership by February 1, 2024. The use of our enhanced budget development toolkits encourages broad divisional input and facilitates thorough decision-making. Throughout this process, our goal is to achieve a balanced budget that aligns with the university's mission and vision of growth and innovation.

These achievements are a testament to the resilience and dedication of the SUNY Oswego community. Together, we are navigating challenges and putting our university on a path of financial strength and sustainability. This is important not just for short-term viability; careful fiscal stewardship will enable us to make strategic investments in initiatives and programs that will bolster our region’s economy, create career pathways for our students, and make our Vision 4040 a reality. 
Thank you for all you do on behalf of our outstanding university!

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we embark on a new semester.

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and the spring semester at SUNY Oswego is a time of exploration and challenge, growth, and possibilities. And, like the spring weather, I’m sure there will be some surprises along the way, but nothing that our Laker community can’t handle.

I hope you all take advantage of everything this campus and its people have to offer. For students, our stellar faculty will provide challenges that will broaden your outlook and help you prepare for careers or future study. Our dedicated academic, career, and personal counseling support teams are always available to you. More than 150 clubs and organizations are here to enrich your college experience, and our fantastic Laker athletic teams will have you cheering in the stands. The semester will go by quickly – savor every moment.

The administration and staff will be engaged in advancing key programs and initiatives. We’ll continue to meet with internal and external stakeholders to make our Vision 4040, which will double the number of Oswego graduates by the year 2040, a reality. We will continue to engage with Micron’s leadership team to support its entry into Central New York. We also plan to wrap up our strategic planning process, informed in part by a market analysis by Hanover Research.

As we look forward to this new semester, I am committed more than ever to connecting with as many of you as possible. I will continue making the rounds and offering drop-in sessions to the campus community. In addition, I am planning to conduct virtual town hall meetings this spring, to keep you abreast of new developments on campus and answer questions about topics of interest to you.

Together, I know we all will have a richly rewarding and memorable few months, and I hope to see you on our spectacular campus.

Go Lakers!

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

It is with great pride and a heavy heart that I write to share the news that Mary Toale, Ed.D., who has served this university for close to a decade in a variety of key leadership roles, will be leaving us to join SUNY Geneseo as its provost and vice president for academic affairs effective March 28, 2024.

Mary joined SUNY Oswego in 2014 as the graduate coordinator of strategic communication and associate professor of communication studies. She served in a number of capacities, including Officer in Charge, from 2022 to 2023, while the campus, and the world, was caught in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. She demonstrated stable and exemplary leadership over a 20-month period. In her current role, deputy to the president for strategy and planning, Mary is leading our strategic planning process informed by Vision 4040.

As a first-generation college student, and a Pell Grant recipient, Mary believes in the transformative power of higher education, and has dedicated her career to creating pathways for young people to attain economic and social mobility. While I will miss her wise counsel and commitment to our mission, I know Mary will serve SUNY Geneseo with the same passion she brings to this campus every day. Please join me in wishing Mary all the best as she embarks on this new adventure.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I write to inform you of administrative changes at the university that will serve to advance SUNY Oswego’s commitment to equity and inclusion and ensure our campus, programs, and services are accessible to all.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Starr Wheeler, effective January 1, 2024, as the ADA/504 Compliance Officer in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. She will report directly to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and will lead and administer all aspects of SUNY Oswego’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities as well as University policies and procedures pertaining to protections for persons with disabilities.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Wheeler was Coordinator for Disability Support Services in the Office of Accessibility Resources. She has worked in higher education for more than 25 years providing accommodations to students with disabilities.

Dr. Wheeler is president-elect of the New York State Disability Services Council and member of the Conference Planning Committee. Additionally, she holds memberships in the Association for Higher Education and Disability, New York College Learning Skills Association, and the Oswego Heritage Federal Credit Union Board. Dr. Wheeler holds a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling from SUNY Oswego and a doctorate in Higher Education, Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Annie Jannarone as the interim Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, Ms. Jannarone is responsible for strategic leadership and the day-to-day management of the Office of Accessibility Resources. Ms. Jannarone works collaboratively with campus partners, faculty, staff and students to provide a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity for students with disabilities. Ms. Jannarone began work in November 2023 and will remain in this role through the end of June. We will begin a national search for a permanent director in the spring.

Ms. Jannarone comes to SUNY Oswego with more than 30 years of experience leading accommodation and access efforts for students with disabilities. Most recently, she was the assistant dean of students and director of the Office of Disability Services at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), chair of the Regents Committee on Disability for the University System of Georgia, and president of Arkansas AHEAD, among others. She holds a master’s of education in rehabilitation counseling and an education specialist degree in higher education administration from Kent State University.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Wheeler to her new role and Ms. Jannarone to her interim role on our beautiful campus.

As I wrote in Vision 4040, expanding SUNY Oswego’s promise is undergirded by our unwavering commitment to serve all students. These appointments are key to creating and maintaining an accessible campus community where all feel welcome.    

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

As we approach the closing of the fall semester and the end of my first four months as your President, I return to the sentiment expressed in the message I sent you on my first day of August 15, 2023 – I remain humbled to be your President, and I am even more impressed and energized by each of you than I was when I first sought out to serve in this role. Over the past four months, we have taken great steps together to deliver upon Edward Austin Sheldon’s transformational promise “to contribute to the common good,” to advance our institution and position ourselves for even greater success for decades to come.

At the end of September, I delivered SUNY Oswego’s inaugural State of the University Address, where I unveiled Vision 4040: Expanding SUNY Oswego’s Promise, to increase educational attainment, advance upward mobility, and enhance regional economic development. This Vision was built upon the strength, talent, and effort you each have already put forth to make SUNY Oswego the exemplary, world-class institution it is today. Vision 4040 also outlines a pathway for us to work together to further advance our role as the most mission-critical, public, comprehensive university in our region and beyond. Each of us have a role to play in this:

You – our students, in whom I so proudly see myself, are wonderful, diverse, passionate, and full of energy and expectations. I ask you to continue to push us to be our best for you and continue to share with us your experience as a Laker so we can learn and adjust and protect what is good and improve what is not. Thank you for welcoming me into many of your club and organization meetings and events, including athletic events and theater performances, and/or for coming to meet individually with me in my office or during my drop-in meetings across the campus, or stopping to say hello when our paths cross, both in Oswego as well as at our Syracuse campus.

You – our faculty, it has been a privilege to get to know many of you through General Faculty meetings, 1:1 drop-ins, meetings with department chairs for each of our four colleges/schools, individual meetings in my office, and through university events that I have attended, including a visit to the Rice Creek Field Station, our top-notch learning and research facility. I thank you for your scholarship and for your commitment to student success, academic and creative excellence, and for creating a more inclusive and welcoming community where faculty and students take part in thoughtful inquiry and discourse to address common problems and tackle grand challenges. Please continue to remain the engaged scholars and mentors you are.

You – the staff, have been so supportive, hands-on, and exemplary. Thank you for working tirelessly to ensure our daily operations run smoothly and all our university’s most fundamental needs: food, shelter, safety, resource support, and mentorship are being met. You are a vital part of our mission, and I will forever be grateful for your effort.

You – the alumni, the Alumni Association, the College Foundation, and the College Council, thank you for your strong support of the university, and for your friendship, your hospitality, and your kindness. You have welcomed me into your homes, your workplaces, and your virtual meeting rooms. Together, we can plan for and well-resource a thriving SUNY Oswego for many decades to come. Your advocacy, investment, and care propel us forward and help turn our vision into a reality.

You – the friends and partners of SUNY Oswego, thank you, too, for inviting me to meet with you and, in many cases, to join you at meetings and events, or to serve on external boards or committees with you.

Our strategic planning process, guided by Vision 4040, is now underway, and we expect to complete this plan in late spring 2024. Last month, we completed work on the university’s enrollment and financial sustainability plan, also guided by Vision 4040, and informed by SUNY Chancellor King’s four strategic pillars: student success, research and scholarship, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and economic development and upward mobility.

Our work together is just getting started and we have so much to look forward to achieving in 2024. Take time to enjoy the holidays ahead. Be well and know how much I value each of you. Thank you for such a great first semester.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Crowe as the Interim Vice President for Communication and Marketing. Her tenure will commence on December 1 and extend until May 31. Karen will assume the responsibilities previously held by Wayne Westervelt, the former Chief Communications Officer, and will play a key role in advancing Vision 4040, including support for enrollment growth, visibility of our academic programs, and the strategic positioning of our Oswego and Syracuse campuses.

Karen has more than 30 years of experience leading communications and marketing departments in the education, government, and non-profit sectors. She served as Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications at the City University of New York Herbert H. Lehman College, where she raised visibility by refocusing staff on media relations and social media activities. She revised and reinforced branding guidelines and worked closely with the Admissions Department to increase applications and enrollment.

Prior to this, she served as Associate Commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, responsible for advertising, media relations, publications, language access, website, and social media. She managed a budget of more than $10 million and developed impactful campaigns around key topics such as smoking cessation, HIV prevention and treatment, and healthy eating. She has held numerous high-profile positions in the New York City Office of the Mayor, the city’s Education Department, and the city’s Comptroller’s Office. Karen also led communications efforts for SEIU Local 32BJ, a union representing building service workers during their expansion throughout the northeastern U.S. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University.

I worked with Karen at Lehman College and know her to be responsive, thoughtful, and very creative. Her breadth of experience and skills will serve us well as we conduct our search for a permanent Vice President for Communication and Marketing (VPCM).

Karen will be a member of the President’s executive leadership team and will report directly to the President. Please join me in welcoming Karen to SUNY Oswego and congratulating her on this interim role.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

I write to inform you of changes that are important to SUNY Oswego’s commitment to equity and inclusion. In early August, I worked with our Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Kendra Cadogan, to consolidate key positions, which had formerly reported directly to the President, into the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. I have asked Kendra to provide oversight for the institution’s Title IX process, complaints of illegal discrimination process, and the bias prevention and response process.

To best support the important range of work in prevention, response, compliance, and professional development that this office will now oversee, TItle IX Coordinator, Lisa Evaneski has joined the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Lisa has worked in higher education for over 36 years, serving primarily in Title IX and student affairs functional areas. She has been instrumental in campus-wide compliance with Title IX at SUNY Oswego, and has presented and consulted at the national and regional level, specifically related to her work with Clery, Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act, and other social justice issues. Lisa was the founding President for the SUNY Title IX Coordinators Association, established in 2015, and is currently serving as Past President. She has also served at the state and national level as President of the Massachusetts College Personnel Association and in multiple directorate bodies for the American College Personnel Association.

In 2022, Lisa received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service and was recognized as an ACPA Diamond Honoree for her commitment to ACPA and the profession. Lisa holds a Master of Education in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in education from Wheelock College.

We have also successfully concluded our national search for a full-time Affirmative Action Officer and Deputy Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. I am pleased to announce that Anneke McEvoy will be joining the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in this capacity, effective November 6, 2023.

Anneke first joined the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2019, and she has been the Associate Director of the Triandiflou Institute since fall 2021. In these capacities, she worked to develop, implement, and evolve efforts to foster an inclusive campus community. Working as the deputy coordinator in the Title IX office from fall 2019 through fall 2022, Anneke was able to build a strong understanding of compliance issues related to Title IX and the intersection of federal law with state law and the campus code of conduct, policy, and practice as well as the importance of fair, impartial, and trauma-informed investigative processes.

Anneke has created DEI programming, workshop curriculum, and forward-facing resources for all constituents of the campus community. She is trained in Intergroup Dialogue facilitation and Restorative Practices, and has helped build institutional infrastructure and capacity for critical conversations across differences. Recognizing a need for members of the community to better build relationships among participants with different social identities, she secured funding to roll-out the Oswego Dialogue Project pilot, now a five-year plan, in partnership with the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue and Action at Interfaith Works. Working collaboratively with campus partners in support of a more inclusive community, Anneke has participated on the Bias Prevention and Response team since its launch, co-chairs the Inclusive Practices LGBTQIA+ Working Group, leads the Dialogue Steering Committee, and chairs the Grand Challenges committee which is currently focused on Race, Racism, and Social Justice.

In fall 2022, Anneke was honored with the opportunity to serve as a Staff Fellow in the Office of the President and, in June 2023, was named to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU’s) 2023 Emerging Leaders Program. Anneke holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Wells College in Aurora, NY, and a master’s degree in TESOL from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, VT.  Please join me in congratulating Anneke and supporting her in the important work she is undertaking on behalf of the university community.  

As I wrote in the Vision 4040 document, the expansion of SUNY Oswego’s promise is undergirded by our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The changes in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to include compliance are key to creating and maintaining an equitable campus climate free of bias and discrimination. Together, we will continue to do the necessary work to foster an inclusive campus community where all feel welcome and have a sense of belonging.    

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

Greetings to all of you! It is hard to believe November is here, and I am again reflecting on the past six weeks since my last update.
 
I remain honored and elated to be a member of the Laker family and even more energized by SUNY Oswego’s promise and future. 
 
Since my last President’s update on September 21, I launched the institution’s inaugural State of the University Address, where I unveiled our Vision 4040: Expanding SUNY Oswego’s Promise, a bold plan to increase upward mobility and advance regional economic development. I also participated in my first Founder’s Weekend; celebrated our founder’s 200th birthday with the Green and Gold Day campus photo; enjoyed partaking in many campus events, including the annual Peace Walk during the 37th ALANA Multicultural Student Leadership Conference; met with hundreds of alumni and friends of the university at these events, as well as at our annual Scholars Brunch, where we celebrated the achievements of our student scholars.
 
I have also maintained regular meetings with the President's Cabinet, both individually and as a group, as well as with the President's Council, faculty members, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and community members. Internal partners I have met with include deans and department chairs in the School of Business, School of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Communication, Media and the Arts, where I have learned more about our programs and discussed our shared mission, Vision 4040, as well as the opportunities available to us.
 
In addition to university events and internal meetings, I have enjoyed meeting with numerous internal and external community partners that align with our mission and help me continue to position SUNY Oswego as the most mission-critical public comprehensive university in the region.

A recap of several of these meetings and events include:
 

Internal Engagement

• Attended Faculty Assembly meetings, and presented at my first General Faculty meeting, and answered questions from a number of participants.
• Met with a group of faculty researchers to discuss ways to increase our grant portfolio and strengthen faculty research at the university.
• Participated in the Student Association (SA) Senate meeting, presided over by SA Vice President, Oghenetega Adjoh. During the meeting, I discussed Vision 4040 and the involvement of our student leaders in communicating the plan to other students. The meeting was also attended by Vice President of Student Affairs, Kathleen Kerr; Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Gabriel Marshall; and Director of Operations in the Office of the President, Jamal Coleman.
• Attended the School of Communication, Media and the Arts Advisory Board meeting.
• Met with Faculty Assembly Chair, Liz Schmitt; and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Scott Furlong, as part of our shared governance process.
• Met with Faculty Assembly Chair, Liz Schmitt; Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Scott Furlong; Deputy to the President for Strategy and Planning, Mary Toale; and Director of Operations in the Office of the President, Jamal Coleman, along with our external facilitators from American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to discuss the process for the development of the university’s next strategic plan.
• Met with members of our Engineering Advisory Board and spoke about our Vision 4040 Plan.
• Presented the President’s report at the Oswego College Foundation Board meeting.
• Presented the President’s report at the SUNY Oswego College Council meeting.
• Provided remarks on the university’s vision at the Oswego Alumni Association Board meeting.
• Began preliminary discussions on the potential for nursing and other health-related programs at the university to advance Vision 4040.
• Welcomed regional high school counselors to SUNY Oswego for the SUNY College Admissions Professionals OpInform professional development day accompanied by Vice President for Enrollment Management, Cory Bezek; and Assistant Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, Rodrick Andrews.
• Participated in an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Alumni Reunion, alongside the Director of the Office of Learning Service, Joey Tse.
• Had dinner with the Oswego Reading Initiative speaker, Brian Klass, along with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Scott Furlong, Associate Provost for Undergraduate and Special Programs, Rameen Mohammadi, and student leaders.
• Participated in the James A Triandiflou ‘88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Transformative Practice Open House, and provided remarks on the domestic and international imperatives for intercultural competence and the role of The Institute thereof.
• Met with our Dean of Graduate Studies, Kristen Eichhorn, to discuss graduate education and opportunities at the university in light of Vision 4040.
• Presented to the Faculty Assembly on strategic planning and answered questions on the process.
• Provided welcome remarks at SUNY Oswego’s Admissions Open House.
• Hosted the College Council members for dinner with the President’s Cabinet at the President’s residence at Shady Shore.
• Held leadership retreats for President’s Cabinet as well as for President’s Council at our Rice Creek Biological Field Station. Both retreats focused on courageous leadership and leading change and included a reception and dinner at Shady Shore.
• Hosted Onondaga Community College President, Warren Hilton at the Syracuse Campus and Cayuga Community College President, Brian Durant, at our main campus in Oswego to discuss opportunities for strengthening seamless transfers from SUNY feeder community colleges to SUNY Oswego. A similar meeting has been scheduled with Jefferson Community College President, Daniel Dupee.
• Hosted SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John King, during a visit to the campus as well as for dinner at Shady Shore, and then we attended a beautiful performance by our students at Waterman Theatre in Tyler Hall. Our talented student cast and crew members from the Theatre department showcased Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by Professor Steven Mazzoccone. Following the performance, Chancellor King and I met with the student cast.
• Had lunch meeting at our Syracuse Campus with Oswego College Foundation Board Member, Marcus McFee-Walters.
• Attended the Caribbean Student Association Annual Dinner held at Sheldon Hall and engaged with our students and the faculty advisors.
• Provided opening remarks at SUNY Oswego’s 84^th annual Technology Conference dinner hosted by the Department of Technology in the School of Education. More than 400 participants attended the conference.
• Visited the astronomy site at the Rice Creek Station and toured the facility with Professor Kamal Mohamad of the Department of Biological Sciences, as he and his team readied for a partial eclipse of the sun.

External Engagement

• Served as one of seven people in the CenterState CEO Event-Leadership Lessons from 7 Inspirational Influencers.
• Participated in the Micron Future-Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium meeting hosted at Le Moyne College with Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations, Kristi Eck.
• Dr. Merryl H. Tisch, Chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees, Senior Vice Chancellor, Johanna Duncan Poitier, and Chairman's assistant, Karen Shepherd, visited our campus, where we had the opportunity to meet alongside several faculty members. These faculty members included Robert Auler (Music); Tiffany Deater (Cinema and Screen Studies); Emily Estrada (Sociology); Marianne Hromalik (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Shashi Kanbur (Astronomy Program/Physics); Michelle Storie (Counseling and Psychological Services); Mohammad Tajvarpour Business); and Michele Thornton (Health Services Administration/Business). Additionally, we were joined in a separate meeting with students, including Oghenetega Adjoh, Melinda Brancato, Mathews Frank, Kat McGreevy, Chelsea Obeng, Nicholas Reilly, and Brandon Trinidad.
• Met with the Oswego Health President and CEO, Mike Backus, and other leadership team members, and enjoyed a tour of the Oswego Hospital.
• Met with Atrium and Associates, our landlord for our Syracuse Campus location with Vice President for Administration and Finance Vicki Furlong, Provost Furlong, Dean of Extended Learning Jill Pippin, Associate Vice President for Facilities Services Mitch Fields, Interim Director of the Syracuse Campus, Ryan Lynn, and Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations Kristi Eck.
• Visited SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and met with Upstate President, Mantosh Dewan and the Assistant Vice President of Community Relations, Linda Veit to discuss and explore opportunities for collaboration between our two institutions.
• Met with Hanover Research, a Virginia-based firm that help higher education institutions strengthen their academic portfolio and student success to discuss Academic Portfolio Optimization and Brand Optimization initiatives. In attendance were Deputy to the President for Strategy and Planning, Mary Toale; Provost Furlong; Director of News and Media, Tim Nekritz; Director of Operations in the Office of the President, Jamal Coleman; and Vice President for Enrollment Management, Cory Bezek.
• Met with Head of Social Impact and STEM Programs at Micron Technology, Dr. Robert Simmons at SUNY Oswego, along with members of our leadership team and the faculty. Micron is working with the university on programs that include teacher preparation and advanced manufacturing, among others, as it gears up for its $100 billion investment in Onondaga County.
• Chaired the Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee meeting regarding the county’s role in Micron’s historic investment in the region.
• Held phone meeting with SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John King to discuss
  Vision 4040.
• Met with Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, and Assembly Member Pamela Hunter, accompanied by Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations, Kristi Eck.  The mayor’s strategy of inclusive growth to advance the economy of Syracuse aligns with our Vision 4040 Plan for talent development to support upward mobility and economic development in Central New York.
• Met with Bill Scriber, CEO of Port of Oswego Authority to discuss potential partnerships with the university.
• Met with Ed Alberts to discuss potential funding opportunities with the Shinneman Foundation, alongside the Dean, School of Business, Prabakar Kothandaraman and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Scott Furlong.
• Attended the Association of Council Members & College Trustees (ACT) annual conference (SUNY College Council members) held in Albany with Deputy to the President for Strategy and Planning, Mary Toale.
• Served as a keynote speaker at the 50th Anniversary Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.
• Attended the SUNY President’s meeting in Albany and presented our Vision 4040 Plan and Academic Portfolio Optimization, at the invitation of SUNY Chancellor, Dr. John King.
• Attended the unveiling of the Micron Cleanroom Simulation Laboratory at Onondaga Community College, along with state, regional, and SUNY leadership. Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations, Kristi Eck, also joined the event.
• Participated in the (AASCU) New Presidents’ Academy Virtual Convening.
• Participated in the Convening of Black College Presidents held at Swarthmore College, sponsored by the Mellon Foundation. 

The first 70+ days of my presidency have been filled with energy and excitement about our strategic direction, thanks to all of you. Thank you for the continued warm welcome, and for our work together to further advance the SUNY Oswego Promise, transform lives, and ignite possibilities. I look forward to seeing many of you in the weeks ahead.  

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-

The increasing violence, loss of life, and suffering in Israel and Gaza are heart-wrenching and deeply disturbing. SUNY Oswego condemns these actions in the strongest terms.

We have been monitoring the situation and can confirm that no member of our campus community is taking part in student programs or traveling on official business in the region. However, in today’s interconnected world, members of our community are still deeply impacted as they may have friends, family members, and other loved ones in the region. We share in their anguish and concerns.

The events in Israel and Gaza are generating intense discussions and debates. As a learning community, I want to underscore the importance of engaging in respectful dialogue, seeking opportunities to understand one another, and ensuring that all members of our campus community are respected and valued. To be clear, no acts of violence or bias will be accepted or tolerated on our campus.

If any member of our community experiences or witnesses any act of violence or bias or receives any threats, they should contact the University Police immediately at 315.312.5555 or, in an emergency, dial 911; or submit a bias report to the Bias Prevention and Response Team.

To students who are struggling to make sense of the conflict, or are experiencing any loss, SUNY Oswego offers several resources including Counseling Services and staff in our International Student and Scholar Services Office. Please feel free to reach out to these offices.

In the days ahead, I urge all of us to engage in the critical work of learning about and appreciating the lived experiences of others, and leaning into the difficult conversations necessary to understand diverse perspectives and contexts.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff-

Thank you to everyone who helped plan and contribute to my State of the University Address on September 28, 2023. It was a privilege to start that tradition with all of you, and I am grateful for the many of you who were able to attend.

During my State of the University Address, and as noted in the Vision 4040: Expanding SUNY Oswego’s Promise document, I shared that SUNY Oswego will soon open an Office of Workforce Innovation and External Relations (OWIER) that will span both Oswego and Syracuse with office locations in our downtown Syracuse Campus (at 2 Clinton Square) and on the east side of Oswego in our current Office of Business and Community Relations (OBCR) locations (at 121 E. 1st Street and 34 E. Bridge Street). The OWIER will replace the OBCR and all current OBCR staff will become OWIER staff members, effective October 11, 2023.

The OWIER will provide a designated point of entry into SUNY Oswego for industry, non-profit, public, private, and community partners to connect with institutional assets and vice versa. Partnerships formed will generate economic and social benefits for the region that align with and will advance SUNY Oswego’s Vision 4040 and contribute to the long-term, sustainable vitality of the university and the Central New York region.

The OWIER will be structured around three areas of focus: 1) Workforce Innovation and Upward Mobility, 2) Government and Legislative Affairs, and 3) Community Programs and Resources (which will include RSVP, WRVO - Public Media, Leadership Oswego County, the Small Business Development Center in partnership with Onondaga Community College, and more).

I have asked Kristi Eck to lead the OWIER with the new title of Assistant Vice President of Workforce Innovation and External Relations, effective immediately. I want to especially thank Dr. Jill Pippen, Dean of Extended Learning, who has split with Kristi the areas of economic development, community programming, and external partnerships for the past nearly two years since Pam Caraccioli left her position of Deputy to the President for External Partnerships and Economic Development to become the President and CEO of Fulton Savings Bank.

Kristi’s decade-long record of impact at SUNY Oswego has well prepared her for the focused and expanded responsibilities for workforce innovation and partnerships, which the new OWIER will lead. Since starting at SUNY Oswego in August 2013 as Chief of Staff, Kristi has provided exemplary leadership through the creation of SUNY Oswego’s institutional-wide strategic plan annual reporting and continuous improvement systems; and, through her role as the institution’s Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation Liaison Officer (2016-2022); she skillfully led the institution through its successful Periodic Review (2017) and Self-Study (2022) reports as Co-Chair for both.

Throughout her years at SUNY Oswego, Kristi has led the institution’s state and federal legislative affairs efforts and has helped cultivate and expand key external partnerships including those with public and private stakeholders that have yielded more than $1 million in grants for SUNY Oswego. Earlier this year, Kristi was named by Governor Kathy Hochul and Micron President and CEO Sanjay Mehrotra as one of 15 community stakeholders to serve on the Micron Community Engagement Committee.

As Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations, Kristi will carry forward her government and legislative affairs responsibilities and external partnership relationships. She will remain a member of the President’s Cabinet and Council, where she will continue to work closely with SUNY Oswego’s vice presidents, deans, and relevant directors to advance the university’s engagement with external partners to attract and secure new resources for the institution and the region.

Kristi earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College, a master’s degree from Columbia University, Teachers College, and she completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) at Harvard University, Graduate School of Education.

With Kristi’s transition out of the role of Chief of Staff, Jamal Coleman will join SUNY Oswego as Director of Operations in the President’s Office on October 9, 2023. Jamal is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background encompassing organizational and project management, communication and digital media, marketing, technology, and career services. With more than a decade of higher education experience, Jamal’s areas of expertise include digital and print content development, social media and website oversight, graphic design, strategic planning, project management, and effective organizational and management leadership. Jamal will serve on the President’s Cabinet and Council, as well as other campus committees and work groups, and will work closely with the President’s senior leadership team, deans, and relevant directors to advance our institutional mission, vision, and priorities.

Jamal holds both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tennessee State University, and he comes to SUNY Oswego from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), where he was director of marketing, and held memberships in the American Marketing Association (AMA), the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Additionally, he serves as Marketing Manager on the national eduWeb Summit’s marketing/communication organizing committee.

Both Kristi and Jamal will report directly to the President. Please join me in congratulating Kristi and welcoming Jamal. I am certain that they will have the support of our entire university community of teachers, scholars, and learners.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community- 
  
As I reflect on my time at SUNY Oswego thus far, it is hard to believe I began my presidency five weeks ago. I am honored and elated to be a member of the Laker family. I am also delighted by our work together to advance the SUNY Oswego promise as we craft a shared vision for the future of our university. 
  
First, thanks to the collective efforts of our faculty and staff who work each day to position SUNY Oswego as SUNY’s most mission-critical comprehensive university in Central New York and a national engine of upward mobility. This year’s U.S. News and World Report, released a few days ago, bears this out and ranks SUNY Oswego #39 (15 spots up from the previous year!) on its list of “Best Regional Universities in the North” and #18 in the region on the Social Mobility index for our role in moving large numbers of first-generation students into the middle class. I am thrilled by this recognition. 
  
Second, I want to thank you for the warm welcome extended to me as the 11th President of this storied institution. Staff members from across the campus, especially those in facilities, human resources, campus technology services, communications and marketing, the President’s office, and the Presidential Transition Committee and Subcommittees, have been phenomenal in ensuring a smooth transition. 
  
I am humbled by the activities we have engaged in together. It has been filled with meaningful conversations, many meetings and events, as well as warmly welcoming our new and returning students and faculty and staff back to campus for the fall semester.  
  
Our gatherings have been filled with delicious meals and held in well cared for buildings and outdoor spaces. It was a pleasure to pay an unannounced visit with staff in our Building and Grounds unit to extend my appreciation to them for the extraordinary care they deploy each day to keep our community clean and sparkling. I also visited with the Auxiliary Services team in our bakery facility, and learned of the creative ways in which they engage as they cater to the dining needs of our students. My visit to the Penfield Library, also unannounced, was important to me as it symbolizes our commitment to a learning-centered institution. Our library director, Sarah Weisman, took me on a tour that included the Writing Center, Center for Learning and Teaching, Equal Opportunity Program office, and the James A. Triandiflou ’88 Institute for Equity, Diversity, and Transformative Practice, among others. While I was in the library, I also had a chance to meet with new graduate students, some members of our faculty, and the graduate dean, Kristen Eichhorn, who had assembled on the second floor for one of the new graduate student orientations. 
  
We are all fortunate to belong to this wonderful community! 
  
My first five weeks has included attending other meetings and events such as: 
 

• Cahill Pier Opening in the City of Oswego, where Mayor Barlow was gracious to introduce me to the community. Afterward, I spent time meeting with members of the community, including several of our students who were in attendance.
• Residence Life and Housing Student Staff Welcome and Training, where I spoke to students who are Residence Hall Assistants and the staff about my immigrant experience in the United States, and the power of education to transform lives and ignite new possibilities.
• Intercollegiate Athletics Retreat, along with Vice President for Student Affairs Kathleen Kerr, where I addressed staff, including those who had traveled to Italy during the summer, where our student athletes participated in hockey games.
• Academic Affairs Retreat, where I joined Provost Scott Furlong in recognizing faculty and staff recipients of service and scholarship awards.
• Opening Breakfast, where I spoke about the vision for growth and the need to expand what I call the Oswego Promise, consistent with our founding and the mission of our university.
• Faculty Assembly and General Faculty Meetings.
• Meetings with Faculty Assembly Chair Liz Schmitt.
• Laker Launch, where I welcomed and provided the morning address to all new students at the “Saturday Morning Kick-off,” as well as attended the first annual Taste of Oswego event, Student Involvement Fair, Opening Picnic & Torchlight Ceremony, and International Student Welcome.
• Hosted my first Student Drop-ins session in the food court in the Marano Campus Center.
• Meetings with the President’s Cabinet on our shared vision, budget, strategic, and facilities planning.
• Meetings with the President’s Council on our shared vision.
• Meetings with elected officials and external partners along with Kristi Eck, Chief of Staff & Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, External Partnerships, and Legislative Affairs: Oswego City Mayor Billy Barlow; State Senator Rachel May; State Senator John Mannion; Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay; Assembly Member William Magnarelli; CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson; Empire State Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Kevin Younis and Deputy Director Daniel Kolinski and Advisor to Chief Operating Officer Brad Willows; Association of American Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Vice President for Leadership Development Kathleen Scott; and Operation Oswego County, Inc. Executive Director Austin Wheelock.
• Zoom meeting with our Oswego College Foundation Board of Directors.
• Meetings in New York City along with Vice President for University Advancement Mary Canale, at the invitation of the following distinguished alums: Emmy Award winner and weatherman Al Roker, PWC Global Chairman Bob Moritz, Wells Fargo Bank retired director Tom Yates, and Paramount Creative & Strategy Vice President for Account Relations and Production Operations Aunree Houston.
• Meetings in Washington D.C. and on Zoom with numerous alums.
• Participated in the fall board meeting of the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) held in Washington, DC, where I serve as board chair.
• Led the Zoom meeting of the Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee of which SUNY Oswego is the lead institution facilitating the work of the multiple private and public-sector agencies involved in preparing for Micron’s historic investment in Central New York.
• Participated in SUNY Presidents and SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) meetings.
• Hosted SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Kapil Longani and one of his assistant deputies for a full day on campus in August visiting with Cabinet, eating lunch with me and Mary Toale, Deputy to the President for Strategy and Planning, at Lakeside Dining, and participating in a tour of the campus.

  
Thank you and the entire SUNY Oswego community for the continued warm welcome. I am excited about SUNY Oswego’s future! I look forward to continuing to meet with you, talk with you, learn from you, and engage with our partners as we plan and advance SUNY Oswego’s future together. 
  
I hope to see you at the State of the University Address on September 28, 2023, as well as the many events and activities planned for Founder’s Day weekend. 
 

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear University Community Members-

Yesterday, I reported that several electronic communications were sent to some members of our campus that were racist and contained threats of violence. After a thorough investigation by University Police (UP) and Campus Technology Services (CTS), it has been determined that these communications did NOT originate from any member of our campus community.

Unfortunately, a Google account belonging to a member of our community was hacked. Regardless of their source, these messages were frightening and disturbing to those who received them and for those who became aware of them. As I noted in my message yesterday, my leadership team and I take these threats very seriously. I want to thank the Residence Life and Housing staff, UP, and CTS for their swift actions to report, investigate, and keep our campus community safe.

As I noted yesterday, resources have been shared to ensure that students and staff impacted by this incident are supported. Please continue to access these resources and ask for help, if needed. Students and employees with questions, please contact Kendra Cadogan, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Interim Affirmative Action Officer, at [email protected]. Students seeking additional support should contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected] or at 315-312-5483 or contact Counseling Services at 315-312-4416.

As we begin the fall semester, it is important to remember to be extra cautious before you click because of the exposure we face to these and other kinds of external threats. I ask you to remain vigilant in safeguarding against cyberattacks. In this regard, please review the cybersecurity pledge we take as members of the Laker community. In addition, review other ways in which each of us can guard against our data being accessed through our mobile devices, social media, texts, phone calls, and emails. Please report suspected cybersecurity concerns immediately to [email protected].

Have a restful weekend as we prepare for the start of the fall semester on Monday.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear University Community Members-

Early this morning, it was reported that several electronic communications were sent to some members of our campus that were racist and contained threats of violence. I want to be clear that my team and I will always take any threat to campus very seriously and, in this case, took immediate action to investigate the matter.

SUNY Oswego does not, and will not, tolerate threats of violence or any discriminatory behavior that targets a person or group of individuals on any basis including:

• Race Color 
• National origin 
• Religion Creed 
• Age 
• Disability 
• Sex 
• Gender identity or expression 
• Sexual orientation 
• Familial status 
• Pregnancy 
• Predisposing genetic characteristics (including an individual's ancestry, country of origin, or country of origin of parents, family members, or ancestors) 
• Military status 
• Domestic violence victim status 
• Criminal conviction 
• Or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law (Non-Discrimination Policy)

Resources have been shared to ensure that students and staff impacted by this incident are supported. Students and employees with questions, please contact Kendra Cadogan, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Interim Affirmative Action Officer, at [email protected]. Students seeking additional support should contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected] or at 315-312-5483 or contact Counseling Services at 315-312-4416.

Any suspected incident of bias should be reported to the SUNY Oswego Bias Prevention and Response Team using the online form or by contacting the Affirmative Action Officer or Human Resources. Any threats to safety should be reported to University Police immediately at 315-312-5555 or 5555 from any campus phone.

SUNY Oswego is a community of learners, engaged together to support one another's growth and education As we prepare for the start of the semester, be kind to one another, and if you experience any incidents of bias, report them immediately.

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President

Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community- 

It is a great honor and joy to be named your 11th President by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. I find myself humbled to be joining an extraordinary community of teachers, scholars, staff and learners at this storied institution, a community that has kept faith with a transformational promise made 162 years ago – to contribute to the common good by enriching the human spirit and offering to as many as could realize the opportunity to be so enriched. As an individual who came to the United States as an immigrant student decades ago and was the first in my family to go to college, I find this promise extraordinarily powerful. Education transforms lives and ignites new possibilities. As your President, I am committed to advancing this promise, working together with you to build on the solid foundation laid by our founders, and all those who have preceded me in this role.

You – the students who span the globe and who each grew up wonderfully rich in ability, talent and promise, and who all worked hard, made wise choices that enabled you to reach this point and earned the opportunity to be at this storied institution founded in 1861 by Edward Austin Sheldon! You are capable, you are resilient and we are here to help you achieve your goals. I see myself in you and I cannot wait to meet you. 

You – the faculty who are so passionate about and accomplished in your academic areas of expertise. You devote your time and talent to teaching, mentoring, research and scholarship in ways that continue to advance the Oswego promise. You inspire, and you spark and advance minds. You transform lives and ignite new possibilities that are vital to the maintenance and sustenance of a democratic society. Thank you for all you do. I cannot wait to meet you. 

You – the staff who choose to work at the university because you simply love being around students and the dynamic, vibrant 24/7 operations of a residential campus and online learning environments. You enable us to be our best selves; you maintain our grounds and facilities beautifully, you take action to create an environment in which all feel safe, and you nurture minds and help develop strong, healthy individuals while building bridges, holding up ladders and opening doors (literally and figuratively) so our students can achieve their goals. I see your critical role and how much you matter. Thank you for all you do. I cannot wait to meet you. 

You – the alumni and the College Council who share your resources, time and attention generously and humbly with our students and institution – you are our success stories – you are our record of achievement, and you are our role models and dream makers for our students. You are the ones who make us a better institution. As the African proverb states, “A person is a person through other people.” We exist because of you, and we advance together because of your deep care and commitment to our students and our bright future. Thank you for all you do. I cannot wait to meet you. 

You –the friends and partners of SUNY Oswego – where would any of us be without your friendship and partnership? Thank you for including us, understanding our mission and purpose, and for inviting us to partake in new opportunities and for supporting our efforts just as we support yours. I cannot wait to meet you. 

All - we are the stewards of the promise made 162 years ago: to provide access to quality higher education that will transform ordinary lives, ignite extraordinary possibilities, enrich the civic and cultural life of our community, and advance our region’s economy.

I invite you to visit the new presidential website to learn more about me and my hopes in continuing to build upon the Oswego promise for the sake of our students and every member of the Oswego family.

Lastly, I cannot close this message without thanking and recognizing Dr. Mary C. Toale, who served as Officer-in-Charge from January 2022 until today. I am pleased she will continue working in the Office of the President as deputy to the president where she will provide support in fulfilling the university's mission, vision and institutional priorities.

As we embark together on this new chapter, let’s remember that we are all SUNY Oswego. Let’s continue to advance this powerful promise, and let’s have a great start to the fall 2023 semester. Go Lakers! See you soon!!

Remain well,

Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D. 
President