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