[Important Information for Employees] Fwd: A Message from President Enyedi: Campus Updates, Priorities and Celebrations

[Office of the President]

Fall 2025 Update

from President Enyedi


Dear Campus Community,


Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this morning's Fall 2025
Welcome Event meaningful and productive. Your attendance, hard work,
feedback and energy are essential to this traditional gathering


It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to welcome new
colleagues into our community. I appreciated the opportunity to reconnect
and to reflect together on the work ahead. For those who were unable to
attend, I look forward to seeing you soon and sharing more in person.


i would also like to extend special thanks to Bruce Carlin, TV Studios
Manager/Engineer and Adjunct Lecturer in the Communication Studies
Department, for recording the event so it can be shared at this link
<https://plattsburgh.video.yuja.com/v/Fall-2025-Presidents-Welcome>with
those unable to attend.


Below is a recap of the key themes and updates I covered during the event.
As we begin this new semester, I want to express my gratitude for the
dedication and care you continue to bring to SUNY Plattsburgh.


Your work and commitment matter deeply.
Our Shared Purpose


At the heart of our mission is a singular focus: our students. Everything
we do, from teaching and advising to maintaining our facilities, managing
resources, and supporting one another, is in service of their success. Fall
Welcome is always a time to celebrate that shared purpose and recommit to
the work ahead.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion


I began this year’s remarks by addressing a topic that has been front of
mind for many: the recent change in leadership in our Office of Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion.


This transition was understandably unexpected for many and has prompted a
range of emotions and questions. While confidentiality prevents the sharing
of details regarding personnel decisions, I want to emphasize the values
that guided my decision and continue to guide our institution.


First, I will always do what is right to protect this university and those
who call it home. That includes honoring the dignity and privacy of every
current and former employee.


Second, I want to reaffirm in the strongest possible terms that SUNY
Plattsburgh remains deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and
inclusion. This work is central to who we are. It is reflected in our
teaching, our hiring practices, our student support, and our planning. And
it will not waver.


To ensure continued progress, I have invited David Fryson to serve as our
Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. David brings
decades of experience in higher education, ministry, law, and community
engagement. He has helped institutions sustain momentum through change, and
he will help us do the same. David begins Monday. I know you will welcome
him as you do all who join our campus.


I want to thank Kim Irland, Mike Thompson, Jennifer Bleaux, and Chris
Chamars for their steady leadership during this transition. They continue
to advance this work, and I am grateful for their ongoing commitment and
dedication.


The work of DEI continues this fall with:



   - Our fourth Social Justice Teach-In on November 3
   - Monthly Racial Healing Circles, beginning September 12
   - New initiatives such as Community & Conversations and The Belonging
   Series
   - Celebrations of Heritage & Awareness Months and other campus traditions
   - Growth of our Equity Advocate Program, now with over 240 trained
   employees


This work belongs to all of us. And it continues with purpose, care and
intention.

Welcoming New Members of Our Campus Community


This morning, we had an opportunity to welcome our newest colleagues. Since
May, 73 new employees have joined SUNY Plattsburgh. Their arrival brings
fresh energy, diverse perspectives, and new ideas that will enrich our
work. Please see the attached list of new hires and take a moment to
welcome them when you can. We are so glad they are here.
Recognizing Impact


We also honored this year’s Plattsburgh Alumni Association Faculty and
Staff Impact Award recipients:



   - Peter Ensel, retired associate professor of communication studies
   - Christopher Waterbury, retired head men’s soccer coach and current
   tennis coach


Both were nominated by former students who spoke powerfully to the ways
Peter and Chris shaped their lives. Their service to our students and
university is lasting, and we thank them for their continued service to and
support of our Cardinal community.
Enrollment and Student Success


We are on pace to exceed our enrollment goal of 1,700 new students, with
1,850 net deposits as of August 20. This momentum reflects extraordinary
work by our admissions, financial aid, academic support, and orientation
teams, and by so many of you across campus.


As we begin the semester, we remain focused on retention and student
persistence. From Welcome Week to Cardinals Thrive, to competitive
athletics and wraparound support, our students are surrounded by a
community that believes in them.
Financial Health and Infrastructure


SUNY Plattsburgh closed fiscal year 2024–2025 with a $15.7 million
operating reserve. We are in a strong financial position thanks to
thoughtful long-term planning and the recent adoption of an “all funds”
budgeting approach. Vice President Renadette will share more at a forum
this fall.


On the infrastructure side, we have over $43 million in active projects,
including:



   - Renovations to Algonquin, Kehoe, Ward, and Myers
   - Accessibility improvements and HVAC/roof replacements
   - Preparations for the 2027 demolition of Banks and Adirondack Halls
   - Updated campus bathroom standards including gender-neutral design,
   which are now required in all new projects

Clinton Community College Transition


This semester marks the official co-location of Clinton Community College
on our campus. This historic collaboration has required extensive
coordination and represents a new model of public higher education in the
North Country.

I want to thank every department and individual who made this possible.
This is not just a facilities change, it is a shared commitment to student
success, regional sustainability, and educational access.
Academic Innovation and Grants Success


Our academic planning efforts are underway through four working groups
that are looking at communications, portfolio health, retention, and
external alignment. In addition:



   - A new online MBA and Lean Six Sigma Certificate are under review
   - A recording studio is being built to support our new Music Technology
   degree
   - Our TRIO grant was renewed with a perfect score
   - Two new literacy grants are enhancing teacher prep
   - Our Master of Social Work earned full national accreditation
   - Faculty in anthropology received over $1 million in joint U.S.-U.K.
   research funding



These accomplishments reflect a strong and growing academic foundation.
Technology and Shared Services


Our Information Technology Services team has been working hard behind the
scenes to support campus-wide progress.



   - This summer, they launched our new campus portal, a streamlined hub
   that will improve access to tools and information for students, faculty,
   and staff.
   - They have also completed the migration of Clinton Community College’s
   IT infrastructure, a major effort that required coordination across
   multiple systems to ensure a smooth transition for both institutions.
   - In addition, the Zoom Phone transition is well underway, with more
   than 450 lines now migrated. This modernized phone system will provide
   greater flexibility, reliability, and integration across devices and
   departments.



We thank the ITS team for their diligence, expertise, and commitment to
moving our campus forward.
Institutional Advancement and Donor Support


The Plattsburgh College Foundation awarded over $2.1 million in
scholarships to more than 1,000 students last year and an additional $2.4
million to campus programs. Institutional Advancement also secured $4.8
million in new gifts and commitments, and $12 million in planned gifts.



This year, they are also focusing on blended events, such as the North
Country Celebration, that bring together long-time donors and first-time
guests in meaningful ways. These gatherings both celebrate longstanding
impact and inspire new investment.
Congratulations to Our Chancellor’s Award Recipients

Finally, we congratulate this year’s SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence
honorees:



   - Dr. Raymond Carman: Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
   - Dr. Arzu Gul: Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
   - Ms. Shelley Laurin: Award for Excellence in Classified Service
   - Dr. Mark Lesser: Award for Excellence in Teaching
   - Dr. Rajesh Sunasee: Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative
   Activities
   - Dr. Kelly Theisen: Award for Excellence in Teaching


Their excellence embodies SUNY Plattsburgh’s mission and inspires us all.

Looking Ahead


As we begin this new academic year, let us continue to lead with purpose
and care. Let us hold fast to the values that define us: inclusion, access,
and community.


And let us remember that every day is a great day to be a Cardinal.

Thank you for all you do.


Warm regards,


Dr. Alexander Enyedi

President

SUNY Plattsburgh | 101 Broad St | Plattsburgh, NY 12901 US

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