Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
State University of New York at Fredonia
View on WikipediaThis article needs additional citations for verification. (February 2022) |
The State University of New York at Fredonia (alternatively SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia State, or Fredonia) is a public university in Fredonia, New York, United States. It is the westernmost member of the State University of New York. Founded in 1826, it is the seventh-oldest college in New York, and second-oldest public school in New York (SUNY and CUNY) after SUNY Potsdam (1816).[3]
Key Information
Fredonia was one of the state teachers' colleges traditionally specializing in music education, but now offers programs in other areas, including a graduate division. Areas of study include science, communication, music, education, and the social sciences. There are over 80 majors and over 50 minors.
History
[edit]Fredonia Academy (1826–1867)
[edit]Opened in 1826 as "Fredonia Academy" under its first principal Austin Smith, the academy enrolled eight students. The first classes began on October 4, 1826. Within one year the academy had 136 students, 81 boys and 55 girls.[4] In 1827 it was a state normal school.[5][self-published source?]
The academy reached peak enrollment in 1856 with 217 students. The school was plagued by financial shortages and was forced to close its doors in 1867.
Normal School (1867–1948)
[edit]In 1867, the college re-emerged for its second phase of existence, as a New York State Normal School. On December 2, 1867, the Fredonia Normal School (as it became commonly known) began classes with 147 students, 62 boys and 85 girls. For students preparing to be teachers, no tuition was charged, books were supplied, and travel costs were reimbursed; in return, students had to promise to teach after graduation. Those students not studying for the teaching profession paid tuition and provided their own textbooks.
Fredonia Normal had a tumultuous existence. With a fluctuating student enrollment and threats of state funding reductions, the school seemed to be in constant jeopardy of closing.[citation needed] Nonetheless, gradually the school was upgraded. In 1930, fifty-eight acres (230,000 m2) of land west of Central Avenue in the Village of Fredonia were bought to house a future campus. In 1938, music building (Mason Hall) was the first to be constructed on the Central Avenue site. New York State Governor Herbert Lehman signed the Feinberg Law in 1942 that changed all state Normal Schools into Teacher Colleges. With this new law, the school officially became the Fredonia State Teachers College.
State University System (1948–present)
[edit]With the formation of the State University of New York on March 13, 1948, the school's name changed again, becoming the State University of New York College at Fredonia. The college created a Division of the Humanities in 1958, and, in 1960, Fredonia was selected by State University to grant the A.B. degree. Previously, Fredonia's curriculum was restricted for teacher training only.
From the 1940s through the early 1960s, additional buildings were erected: Fenton Hall (administration), Jewett Hall (sciences), Dods Hall (physical education and athletics), an addition to Mason Hall, and residence halls Gregory, Alumni, McGinnies, Chautauqua, and Nixon.
In 1968, the master plan for the modern Central Avenue campus was drafted by the architectural firm of I. M. Pei & Partners of New York at the request of then-president Oscar E. Lanford. A complex came into being that consisted of the Rockefeller Arts Center (building for fine arts), Maytum Hall (administration), Daniel A. Reed Library, McEwen Hall, Campus Center student union (now Williams Center), Houghton Hall (sciences), and LoGrasso Medical Center (infirmary). Maytum Hall, McEwen Hall (lecture rooms), Reed Library, and the Williams Center were all inter-connected, including an elevated walkway connecting McEwen Hall and the Williams Center. Also included in the plan were the suite-style residence halls Kasling, Disney, Grissom, Eisenhower, and Erie Dining Hall (now closed); In 1970, Pei and Cobb returned to Fredonia to construct the second suite-style residence halls of Hemingway, Schulz, Igoe, and Hendrix.
In the early 1970s a second addition was made to Mason Hall (including practice rooms), science building Houghton Hall, and multi-discipline Thompson Hall. In 1981, construction was finally begun on the long-awaited major indoor sports facility, Steele Hall, which had been delayed for nearly nine years due to state funding difficulties throughout much of the 1970s. More recent campus buildings and additions have been the University Commons residence and dining hall, additions to Steele and Mason Halls, and another long-awaited project—the new science building adjoining Houghton Hall. A stadium for athletics—mainly soccer and lacrosse—which included an upgraded, lighted playing field, was recently built over the existing playing fields.
Between 1981 and 1999, the school was an official training camp site of Buffalo Bills.
In 2023, the college received university designation from the state of New York, thus changing its name to its current State University of New York at Fredonia. Because of the university's multiple graduate level programs, SUNY Fredonia met the requirement for this change, that a state college have at least three.[6]
Presidents
[edit]| President | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph A. Allen | 1867–1869 | Born on April 25, 1819, Allen was the first President of Fredonia Normal School. Prior to coming to Fredonia, he was the Principal of both Syracuse Academy and The State Reform School and at Westboro where he was principal for seven years. He died on July 17, 1904. |
| J.W. Armstrong | 1869–1898 | |
| Francis B. Palmer | 1898–1907 | |
| Myron T. Dana | 1908–1922 | |
| Howard Griffth Burdge | 1922–1928 | |
| Hermann Cooper | 1929–1931 | |
| Leslie R. Gregory | 1931–1948 | |
| Harry W. Porter | 1953–1961 | |
| Oscar E. Lanford | 1961–1971 | |
| Dallas K. Beal | 1971–1984 | |
| Donald A. MacPhee | 1985–1996 | |
| Dennis L. Hefner | 1997–June 30, 2012. July 2, 2019 – June 28, 2020 | Hefner received his bachelor's degree in economics from California State University and both his Masters in economics and Ph.D. from Washington State University. Prior to coming to Fredonia, he worked for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in Washington, D.C., and also as Vice President of Academic Affairs at California State University in San Bernardino from 1990 to 1994. He also worked as Vice-Chancellor of Academic Affairs for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities from 1994 to 1996. Hefner also served as Interim President for one year after President Horvath's resignation in 2019. |
| Virginia Schaefer Horvath | July 1, 2012 – July 1, 2019 | Dr. Horvath has served as vice president for Academic Affairs at SUNY Fredonia since 2005. She was appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees on March 28, 2012, after a six-month national search process and assumed office on July 1, 2012. |
| Stephen H. Kolison, Jr. | June 29, 2020–Present |
- Note: Earlier Presidents were Principals of Fredonia Academy and are not included list.
Buildings
[edit]Architectures
[edit]Architects I. M. Pei and Henry N. Cobb designed the master plan for the modernized campus in 1968. Many of the buildings are listed in architectural guides as examples of exceptional modern architecture. Some are described in architectural history books. The National Building Museum listed the SUNY Fredonia campus as one of I. M. Pei's ideal places to visit in its 1991 journal Blueprints.[7]
Pei is credited with designing Maytum Hall, Williams Center, Reed Library, Rockefeller Arts Center, and McEwen Hall, as well as its characteristic circular perimeter road, aptly named Ring Road. The design of Daniel Reed Library earned Henry Cobb and I. M. Pei the 1969 Prestressed Concrete Institute Award.
Academic and administrative buildings
[edit]- Reed Library was constructed in 1969. It is approximately the size of a regulation football field, provides seating for over 850 readers, and houses over 250,000 books. It is named for Daniel A. Reed (1875–1959), U.S. Representative from the Fredonia area for over 40 years. A four-story addition to Reed Library, known as the Carnahan-Jackson Center, was constructed in 1992; it includes several study areas, a scholarship center, atrium, elevators, tower study lounge which leads to a fifth story, the Tutoring Center, and the Special Collections & Archives Division of Reed Library.[8]
- Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center, constructed in 1968, is named after the youngest son of former Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who disappeared in 1961 during an anthropological expedition in New Guinea. Designed by I. M. Pei and Partners, Rockefeller Arts Center includes King Concert Hall (a 1,200-seat concert hall), Marvel Theatre (a 400-seat proscenium theatre), Alice E. Bartlett Theatre (a 200-seat maximum black box theatre), an art gallery, and 24 classrooms. This building houses the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the Department of Visual Arts and New Media. The arts center was opened in 1968 by Clint Norton as its first managing director. He was followed by Robert B. D'Angelo who served from 1970 to 1974 while he also served as a speech writer and adviser to then Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. Following D'Angelo in the directorship were Ted Dede, Nancy Palmer, Katherine Rushworth and Radford Thomas. Jefferson Westwood has served as director since 1982.
- Fenton Hall was named for Reuben Fenton (1819–1885), U.S. Senator, and Governor, who was born in Carroll, Chautauqua County. Fenton Hall houses the office of the University President, the Graduate Studies office, as well as classrooms, academic departments and Sprout Café. Computer Science, Modern Languages, English, and Philosophy are some of the departments located in Fenton.
- Mason Hall is home to the School of Music and was named after American music education pioneer Lowell Mason. This hall is actually three buildings, "Old Mason" (the oldest building on the present-day campus site), "New Mason," and the recent addition of two rehearsal rooms, which are all connected together. Mason Hall includes over 100 personal practice rooms, several small ensemble practice rooms, and large ensemble rooms. Both Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall and Diers Recital Hall are located here, as well as two MIDI technology labs, and a Studio Recording Department.
- Maytum Hall is an eight-story, semi-circular office building and computer center, and was named after Arthur Maytum (1866–1953). He served as chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Fredonia Normal School and Teachers college from 1928 to 1953. He also served as supervisor of the Town of Pomfret from 1931 to 1938.
- Steele Hall is mainly used as a sports center with a basketball court, indoor track, and an ice rink which are used for both campus and community events. It also contains classrooms, a newly constructed natatorium, racquetball courts, dancing practice rooms, and many other facilities.
- Thompson Hall is the largest academic building at SUNY Fredonia. It houses the departments of Multicultural Affairs, Psychology, Political Science, Speech Pathology, Sociology, Business Administration, History, plus the College of Education. The building, planned during the period of nationwide campus upheavals in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was designed to be riot-proof, with its narrow stairwells, dimly lighted hallways, and no operable windows.
- Houghton Hall, Jewett Hall, and the Science Center are the three science buildings at SUNY Fredonia. They house the departments of Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Biochemistry, and the 3-2 Cooperative Engineering Program. The Science Center features an observatory, a greenhouse, and an herbarium.
- LoGrasso Hall On campus medical services, along with counseling, and the office of international education.
- McEwen Hall Four-level building, Contains lecture halls, Sheldon Media Labs, and Fredonia Radio Systems (WCVF-FM).
- The College Lodge, located in Brocton, NY and operated by the Faculty Student Association at SUNY Fredonia, is a nature reserve and a certified experiential training facility and conference and events center that offers workforce development, employee training, meetings and other services for businesses and organizations.[9]
- The Center for Innovation & Economic Development (CIED), located in Dunkirk, NY, is a facility that encourages and instructs the development of small businesses and entrepreneurship skills. The CIED was formerly called the Fredonia Technology Incubator.[10]
Residence halls
[edit]SUNY Fredonia has 15 residence halls. Students have a choice of building style: corridor, suite, kitchen suite, or independent living. Corridor-style residence halls are long, staggered hallways with no sections, whereas suites are short corridors with either staggered hallways extending from the main corridor or doors leading into the individual suites.
-
Mason Hal
-
Maytum Hall
-
Williams Center
-
Science Center
-
Daniel A. Reed Library with the addition built in 1992
-
Rockefeller Arts Center
Academic
[edit]Rankings
[edit]U.S. News & World Report's 2022–2023 edition of America's Best Colleges ranked Fredonia 70th on their list of Regional Universities North. Fredonia's graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology is ranked 146th.
| Academic rankings | |
|---|---|
| Master's | |
| Washington Monthly[11] | 57 |
| Regional | |
| U.S. News & World Report[12] | 69 |
Colleges and Schools
[edit]The university is organized into 2 colleges and 2 schools:
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services
- School of Business
- School of Music
Student life
[edit]| Race and ethnicity | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 74% | ||
| Hispanic | 11% | ||
| Black | 7% | ||
| Two or more races | 4% | ||
| Asian | 1% | ||
| Unknown | 1% | ||
| International student | 1% | ||
| Economic diversity | |||
| Low-income[a] | 38% | ||
| Affluent[b] | 62% | ||
On campus student media
[edit]WCVF-FM is a public FM radio station located in McEwen Hall, broadcasting from the top of Maytum Hall on campus. Licensed to the State University of New York at Fredonia, the station broadcasts on 88.9 MHz on the FM dial. "CVF" stands for "Campus and Community Voice of Fredonia," the station's slogan. The station primarily features "alternative" rock, but includes an eclectic mix of genres at consistent times throughout the week. Listeners can catch blocks of Polka, Spanish, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Reggae, Hip Hop and anything in between. Live programs hosted by student and community jocks can be of any format/genre from talk, music, to radio drama. WCVF also covers local sports and includes live broadcasts/commentary for several Blue Devil teams. WCVF broadcasts National Public Radio (NPR) Monday through Friday: Morning Edition (7–9 am) and All Things Considered (4–6 pm). These broadcasts are achieved through a partnership with NPR member station WQLN-FM in Erie, Pennsylvania. WCVF-FM has a sister station WDVL which broadcasts via internet streaming and a local cable channel.
The Normal Leader was created in May 1892 by the Agonian Society, an all-male literary organization, and later the Zetesian Society, an all-female organization. The first issues were entirely handwritten, and printed issues began with a renumbered Volume 1, Issue 1 in February 1893. The Normal Leader was a monthly newspaper, costing ten cents a copy or fifty cents for a yearly subscription. On September 28, 1936 The Normal Leader became The Leader on its Vol. XXXVI article No. 3 even though the school would not change its name to SUNY Fredonia until 1948. The Leader is produced by a team of Fredonia students. The Leader is printed by The Jamestown Post-Journal in Jamestown, New York, and is distributed free on campus and in the surrounding community. Today, The Leader features mainly news which is pertinent to the SUNY Fredonia campus and community. This bi-weekly publication comes out every Tuesday during the academic year and can be found around the SUNY Fredonia Campus.
WNYF is the Student television station of the university. WNYF is sponsored by the Student Association, and was founded in 1979 by two communications students. WNYF's programming includes student-produced programs ranging from entertainment, music, educational television and even a student-written soap opera. In the station's first few months of existence, it began televising the annual dance marathon that raised funds for muscular dystrophy. WNYF maintains an archive of every show produced by the students since 1979. The station was relocated several times, and WNYF settled into its current location in Hendrix Hall in 1997. WNYF broadcasts to the campus on cable TV Channel 8, and to the Public-access television on Channels 17 in Fredonia and 19 in Dunkirk.
Athletics
[edit]SUNY Fredonia teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III. The Blue Devils are a member of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, ice hockey, soccer, swimming & diving and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
When SUNY Fredonia was first known as the Fredonia Normal School, the athletics teams were known as the "Normalites". On January 27, 1936, The Leader issued an article which publicized a contest to come up with a new name for the teams. There were two names the committee had chosen, Blue Jackets and Blue Devils. The name Blue Devils seemed to be used more than Blue Jackets. In the issue of The Leader on September 30, 1952; the name Blue Devils was used officially for the first time.
Notable alumni
[edit]Business
[edit]- Benjamin Franklin Goodrich, 1857 – founder of B.F. Goodrich tire company
- Karl Holz, 1973 – president of Disney Cruise Lines
- James H. McGraw, 1884 – founder of McGraw-Hill Companies[14]
Entertainment
[edit]- Nick Bernardone, 2008 – writer/producer, five-time Emmy multiple WGA Award winner/nominee and PGA Award winner[15]
- Rich Ceisler, 1978 – stand-up comedian, actor, writer [16]
- Jennifer Cody, 1991 – actress
- Pete Correale, 1992 – stand-up comedian
- Brian Frons, 1977 – president, daytime, Disney-ABC Television Group[17]
- Peter Michael Goetz, 1965 – actor[18][19]
- Mary McDonnell, 1974 – Academy Award-nominated actress[20]
- Tom Pokel, 1991 – Head coach, Italy national ice hockey team[21]
- Andrea Romano, 1977 – casting and voice director; Peabody Award winner, Emmy Award winner[22]
- Kevin Sylvester, 1995 – co-owner of the Buffalo Sports Page
- Jillian Hanesworth, 2014 – Emmy winner, First Poet Laureate of the City of Buffalo
Music
[edit]- Greg Collins, Grammy Award-winning recording engineer/producer
- Dave Fridmann – Grammy Award-winning recording engineer/producer
- Marcus Goldhaber, 2000 – (BFA in Musical Theatre) – NYC-based jazz vocalist, bandleader
- Roberta Guaspari, 1969 – music educator[23]
- Onaje Allan Gumbs, 1971 – pianist, composer, and bandleader[24]
- James Houlik, 1964 – American tenor saxophonist[25]
- Don Menza – saxophonist, arranger, composer, jazz educator
- Kevin Moore – original keyboardist for Dream Theater
- Bob McChesney – studio and jazz trombonist
- Chris Poland, 1981 – Guitar player for heavy metal band Megadeth
- Stephen Roessner, 2004 – Grammy Award-winning recording engineer/producer
- Gar Samuelson, 1982 – Drummer for heavy metal band Megadeth
Politics, government and law
[edit]- Marcus M. Drake, 1852 – Mayor of Buffalo, 1882[26]
- Paul Cambria, 1969 – First Amendment lawyer[27]
- William Conrad III, 2000- member of the New York State Assembly
- Reuben Fenton – U.S. Senator and Governor of New York State from 1865 to 1868 (Attended part of a term at Fredonia Academy)[28][29]
- James Brendan Foley, 1979 – Diplomat, served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti, and as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia
- Ozra Amander Hadley – Governor of the State of Arkansas from 1871 to 1873[30]
- Robert Spitzer, 1975 – political scientist[31]
- Frank Manly Thorn, lawyer, politician, government official, essayist, journalist, humorist, and inventor, sixth Superintendent of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (1885–1889)
Literature and education
[edit]- Lucille Clifton, 1955 – American poet[32]
- Gaelen Foley, 1991 – author[33]
- Greta Morine-Dershimer – American education researcher[34]
- Neil Postman, 1953 – educator and author[35]
- Wendy Corsi Staub, 1986 – author[36]
- Jean Webster, 1894 – Novelist. Graduated from Fredonia Normal School [37]
Science
[edit]- Jeffery W. Kelly, 1982 – B.S. Chemistry
- Michael Marletta, 1973 – chemist and MacArthur Fellow[38]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.
- ^ The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.
References
[edit]- ^ SUNY at Fredonia Archived 2021-05-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Data Fall 2020-21 Archived 2022-01-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Oldest Universities in the United States | by foundation year". unirank.org. Archived from the original on 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2019-02-25.
- ^ Academy to State University: Fredonia's Story Archived 2009-06-09 at the Wayback Machine Written by William Chazanof, Accessed 6/16/2007
- ^ Keith Anderson (29 August 2015). The Los Angeles State Normal School, UCLA's Forgotten Past: 1881-1919. Lulu.com. pp. 175–. ISBN 978-1-329-31719-2.[self-published source]
- ^ "A minor change with a potentially big impact". fredonia.edu. SUNY Fredonia. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ Campus bears unique stamp of I.M. Pei's vision, SUNY Fredonia News Services, Accessed 6/16/07, http://www.fredonia.edu/news/News/Archives/tabid/1101/ctl/ArticleView/mid/1878/articleId/84/Campus-bears-unique-stamp-of-IM-Peis-vision.aspx Archived 2007-07-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Reed Library Faculty (2009-01-07). "Mission | State University of New York at Fredonia". Archived from the original on 2015-11-23. Retrieved 2015-10-26.
- ^ "About the College Lodge". Faculty Student Association of State University College at Fredonia. Archived from the original on October 7, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
- ^ "SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation & Economic Development (CIED) | Fredonia.edu". fredonia.edu. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- ^ "2024 Master's Universities Rankings". Washington Monthly. August 25, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ "2024-2025 Best Regional Universities Rankings". U.S. News & World Report. September 23, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
- ^ "College Scorecard: SUNY at Fredonia". College Scorecard. United States Department of Education. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Ingham, John N. (1983). Biographical Dictionary of American Business Leaders. Greenwood Press. ISBN 978-0-313-21362-5.
- ^ Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 65th Primetime Emmy Award Nominations. Retrieved July 18, 2013.
- ^ Stand Up Comic Rich Ceisler, Corporate Chameleon Archived 2008-07-03 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved December 2022.
- ^ Frons Biography at Disney-ABC Television, accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.disneyabctv.com/bios/bio_frons.shtml Archived 2007-07-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Peter Michael Goetz - Biography - IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-03-21.
- ^ Famous Alumni State University of New York College at Fredonia at College.com, accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.colleges.com/admissions/collegesearch/college_search.taf?_function=detail&Type=4&school_id=1100143 Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Mary McDonnell Biography at Yahoo Entertainment, accessed 6/14/2007, http://tv.yahoo.com/mary-mcdonnell/contributor/30520/bio Archived 2007-05-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Tom Pokel at eliteprospects.com". www.eliteprospects.com. Archived from the original on July 28, 2019. Retrieved Jul 28, 2019.
- ^ Outstanding Achievement Award SUNY Fredonia News Services, Accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.fredonia.edu/news/tabid/1101/ctl/ArticleView/mid/1878/articleId/194/Homecoming-Weekend-will-bring-back-the-best.aspx Archived 2006-10-29 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Biography for Roberta Guaspari at IMDB, accessed 6/14/2007, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0345461/bio Archived 2010-01-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ SUNY Fredonia Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award, Accessed 11/4/2007, http://www.fredonia.edu/alumni/achievement.asp Archived 2007-08-07 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ James Houlik Biography at Duquesne University, Accessed 6/16/2007, "Duquesne University | Mary Pappert School of Music". Archived from the original on 2006-09-07. Retrieved 2007-02-14.
- ^ "Marcus M. Drake". Through The Mayor's Eyes, The Only Complete History of the Mayor's of Buffalo, New York, Compiled by Michael Rizzo. The Buffalonian is produced by The Peoples History Union. 2009-05-27. Archived from the original on 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
- ^ Paul J. Cambria, West Legal Directory, accessed 6/14/2007, http://pview.findlaw.com/view/1910880_1?channel=LP Archived 2006-05-10 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Academy to State University: Fredonia's Story Written by William Chazanof, Accessed 6/16/2007, http://www.fredonia.edu/175thanniversary/history.htm Archived 2009-06-09 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Reuben Fenton, Fenton History Center, Accessed 6/16/2007, http://www.fentonhistorycenter.org/civilwar/fenton/fentontimeline.htm Archived 2007-10-21 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Ozra Amander Hadley Biography at Anything Arkansas Directory, Accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.anythingarkansas.com/arkapedia/pedia/Ozra_Hadley/ Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Robert Spitzer Biography at SUNY Cortland, accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.cortland.edu/polsci/default.asp?page_id=19 Archived 2007-09-01 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lucille Clifton Biography at The Poetry Center, accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.smith.edu/poetrycenter/poets/lclifton.html Archived 2008-06-03 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ About the Author: Gaelen Foley, Powell Books, Accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=92-0345494105-0 Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Class Notes" (PDF). Statement: The Magazine for SUNY Fredonia Alumni and Friends. 42: 32. Spring 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-08-21. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
- ^ Neil Postman "Outstanding Achiever" at Homecoming, accessed 6/14/2007, http://www.fredonia.edu/prweb/releases/postman.htm Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Wendy Corsi Staub | Fredonia.edu". www.fredonia.edu. Archived from the original on 2019-06-01. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
- ^ Simpson, Alan; Simpson, Mary; Connor, Ralph (1984). Jean Webster: Storyteller. Poughkeepsie: Tymor Associates. Library of Congress Catalog Number 84–50869.
- ^ Michael Marletta Biography at UC Berkeley, accessed 6/14/2007, http://chem.berkeley.edu/people/faculty/marletta/marletta.html Archived 2009-03-02 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]State University of New York at Fredonia
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Academy Period (1826–1867)
The Fredonia Academy was established in 1826 by residents of Fredonia, New York, as the region's first institution offering advanced education beyond rudimentary common schools, reflecting local demand for preparatory studies in a rapidly settling frontier area.[2] The academy opened on October 4, 1826, in a newly constructed building at the heart of what would become downtown Fredonia, under the direction of its inaugural principal, Austin Smith, a 22-year-old Hamilton College graduate who had arrived via the recently completed Erie Canal.[12] Initial enrollment stood at 15 students, though only eight had paid tuition, signaling modest beginnings amid economic constraints typical of early 19th-century rural New York.[13] The curriculum emphasized classical subjects such as Latin, Greek, mathematics, and rhetoric, preparing students for college or professional pursuits, including teaching. Enrollment expanded quickly, reaching 81 male and 55 female students by the fall term of 1827, demonstrating the academy's appeal as a coeducational facility in an era when such access remained limited for women.[13] Over the subsequent decades, it evolved into a key local center for teacher training, attracting pupils from surrounding Chautauqua County and beyond, with successive principals overseeing operations in the original Temple Street structure.[2] Among its alumni was Benjamin Franklin Goodrich, who later founded the rubber manufacturing company bearing his name after studying there in the 1840s.[2] The academy's private, community-funded model sustained it through financial fluctuations, though reliance on tuition and local subscriptions underscored vulnerabilities to enrollment dips and regional economic pressures. By the mid-1860s, state-level reforms in teacher education prompted New York to designate Fredonia as the site for one of four new normal schools, leading to the academy's closure on March 12, 1867.[14] This merger integrated the academy's facilities and some faculty into the state-supported Fredonia Normal School, which commenced classes later that year under principal Joseph A. Allen, marking a pivotal shift from local initiative to public oversight.[2] The transition preserved institutional continuity while aligning with broader efforts to standardize and professionalize public school instruction across the state.[13]Establishment as Normal School (1867–1948)
In March 1866, the New York State Legislature authorized the establishment of four new state normal schools for teacher training, selecting Fredonia as one of the sites due to its existing educational infrastructure from the recently closed Fredonia Academy.[2] The Fredonia Normal School opened its doors on December 2, 1867, with the cornerstone for its initial building laid on August 8 of that year amid a large public ceremony attended by approximately 15,000 people.[15] Initial classes focused on preparing students for teaching careers, incorporating a model training school for practical experience with primary and junior-level pupils, and by 1868, the institution officially enrolled students in primary, junior, and academic departments.[13] The original building served as the sole campus facility until a devastating fire on December 14, 1900, destroyed it, claiming the lives of six students and a janitor attempting rescue.[2] Insurance proceeds of $93,000 funded reconstruction and expansion, leading to the dedication of new buildings in June 1903, which included enhanced facilities for instruction and physical education.[16] Enrollment grew steadily in the early decades, outpacing the state average for normal schools by the 1920s, though World War I caused a sharp decline, with only 50 new students admitted in 1917 amid broader disruptions to higher education.[15][17] By the 1930s, the institution had evolved to emphasize broader pedagogical training, reflecting national trends in teacher education. In July 1942, amid World War II pressures including faculty shortages and housing constraints, the state redesignated it as Fredonia State Teachers College, expanding its scope slightly beyond strict normal school functions while maintaining a focus on undergraduate teacher preparation.[16][2] This period ended in 1948 with the creation of the State University of New York system, integrating the college into a coordinated statewide network.[13]Incorporation into SUNY System and Expansion (1948–2000)
In 1948, the New York State Legislature established the State University of New York (SUNY) system, incorporating existing state-supported teachers colleges, including Fredonia State Teachers College, as one of its initial 11 institutions focused on teacher education.[2] This integration elevated Fredonia's status within a coordinated statewide framework, providing centralized governance, funding, and opportunities for expansion beyond its prior role as a standalone normal school.[2] Enrollment stood at approximately 800 students at the time, primarily preparing educators for elementary and secondary levels.[18] The 1950s marked initial infrastructural growth aligned with SUNY's post-World War II momentum. Fenton Hall, a key classroom and administrative building, opened in 1953, relocating core functions from the aging Old Main structure and accommodating rising demand.[18] Faculty numbers increased from 85 in 1953 to 129 by 1961, supporting expanded operations.[18] Alumni Hall converted to the second dormitory in 1958, followed by McGinnies Hall and an addition to Mason Hall in 1961, addressing housing needs as enrollment climbed toward 1,050 by 1959.[13] These developments reflected broader SUNY investments in physical capacity to serve the baby boom generation. By the 1960s, Fredonia transitioned from a teachers-only institution to a comprehensive college, introducing its first baccalaureate degrees outside education, such as in liberal arts and sciences, under Governor Nelson Rockefeller's expansionist policies.[2] Enrollment surged from 1,368 in 1961 to over 2,200 by 1970, driven by diversified curricula including pioneering programs in sound recording technology and recombinant gene technology.[18] [12] Architect I.M. Pei's master plan, adopted in the late 1960s, guided a modern campus redesign, emphasizing sculptural forms and functional clustering.[2] The 1970s saw accelerated construction, with six major buildings erected under Pei and Henry N. Cobb's designs, including Erie Dining Hall in 1972 and suite-style residence halls to support growing residential populations. [19] Rockefeller Arts Center, completed in this era, housed expanded performing and visual arts facilities, aligning with curricular shifts toward professional training in creative fields.[2] These additions solidified Fredonia's evolution into a multipurpose liberal arts college within SUNY. In the 1980s and 1990s, institutional maturation continued through fundraising and demographic diversification. The first capital campaign raised over $5 million for scholarships, while U.S. News & World Report ranked Fredonia among the top ten public colleges.[2] An addition to Daniel A. Reed Library opened in 1992, enhancing research capabilities amid rising graduate programs.[2] From 1996 to 2000, undergraduate enrollment grew by 25% (adding about 1,000 students), graduate enrollment doubled, minority representation quadrupled, and international students increased tenfold, reflecting proactive recruitment and program enhancements.[2]Modern Era, University Designation, and Challenges (2000–present)
During the early 2000s, SUNY Fredonia experienced significant enrollment growth, with undergraduate numbers increasing by 25% (adding approximately 1,000 students) from 1996 to 2012, alongside a doubling of graduate enrollment, a quadrupling of minority student representation, and a tenfold rise in international students.[2] This period also saw a major capital campaign that raised nearly $17 million in private funds to support campus development and academic initiatives.[2] In 2014, the institution adopted a simplified branding as "SUNY Fredonia," streamlining its official name from the prior "State University College at Fredonia" to enhance recognition while remaining part of the SUNY system.[20] However, beginning around 2015, enrollment declined sharply by about 40%, dropping from peaks above 5,300 students in the early 2010s to around 3,000 by 2023, driven primarily by a shrinking pool of college-bound high school graduates in New York State, where the population aged 25 and younger fell by roughly 260,000 between 2010 and 2020.[8] This downturn contributed to a structural budget deficit exceeding $10 million annually for over a decade, as tuition revenue failed to keep pace with fixed expenditures despite additional state funding of $2.8 million in 2023–24.[8] [21] To address the shortfall, the university discontinued 13 low-enrollment undergraduate programs in 2023–24, affecting only 74 students (2% of undergraduates) but representing 15% of majors, including fields like art history and French; these cuts aimed to reallocate resources toward high-demand areas such as health sciences and business.[7] [8] The deficit narrowed to $3.9 million by the end of fiscal year 2023–24 through staff reductions, vacancy freezes, and non-personnel spending cuts, with plans targeting enrollment recovery to 3,400 students by fall 2026 via new programs like a master's in clinical mental health counseling.[22] [8] In a key administrative milestone, SUNY Fredonia received formal university designation from the New York State Board of Regents in January 2022, approved by the SUNY Board of Trustees, and effective April 1, 2023, changing its legal title to "State University of New York at Fredonia" to reflect its expanded scope beyond traditional college-level offerings.[23] [24] This status was granted after meeting criteria including at least three graduate programs in areas like education or humanities—Fredonia offers 15 graduate degrees and five advanced certificates—positioning it as a more comprehensive institution amid competitive recruitment pressures.[23] The change is expected to bolster international appeal, where "university" connotes broader research and graduate opportunities, though it does not alter core operations or accreditation.[23]Campus and Facilities
Location and Grounds
The State University of New York at Fredonia is situated in the village of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York, approximately 45 miles southwest of Buffalo and south of Lake Erie in the town of Pomfret.[25][26] This location places the campus in a rural village setting with a population of about 9,871, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere conducive to a town-campus environment.[27][26] The campus encompasses 256 acres of land, featuring a core area that houses the majority of academic, administrative, and student service facilities.[25][18] Nestled near Lake Erie, the grounds offer a picturesque and scenic backdrop noted for its striking beauty, which enhances the overall campus experience.[28][29] Grounds maintenance covers approximately 253 acres, including 21 acres of parking lots with 3,177 spaces, 3.5 miles of roadways, and supporting infrastructure such as sidewalks and green spaces managed by the university's Grounds and Landscaping Services.[30] The layout supports a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment integrated with the surrounding village geography.[31]Academic and Administrative Buildings
Mason Hall, constructed between 1939 and 1941, serves as the primary facility for the School of Music and was the first building erected on the current Central Avenue campus site.[32] It includes specialized spaces such as the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall and supports music education programs established during that era.[33] The Science Center, part of the Fredonia Science Complex, spans 92,000 square feet and was completed at a cost of $60 million, with groundbreaking in late 2011 and opening in fall 2014.[34] This facility houses state-of-the-art laboratories, a 120-seat auditorium, and collaborative spaces designed for hands-on STEM learning, replacing older structures like Houghton Hall for certain functions.[35] Daniel A. Reed Library functions as the central research and information resource, featuring an addition built in 1992 that expanded its capacity to include print and digital collections accessible via interlibrary loan.[36] Ongoing renovations aim to create flexible learning environments, with the library comprising 42,500 square feet visible from the academic quadrangle.[36] The Rockefeller Arts Center acts as a hub for visual and performing arts, encompassing galleries, the 369-seat Robert W. Marvel Theatre, and the Harry A. King Concert Hall for campus and community events.[37] Originally constructed with expansions totaling around 100,000 square feet, it integrates teaching and performance spaces.[38] Administrative functions are distributed across several buildings, including Maytum Hall, which hosts the Office of Admissions on its sixth floor and registrar services.[39] The Williams Center supports student services and administrative operations, contributing to campus governance and support infrastructure.[40]Residence Halls and Housing
The State University of New York at Fredonia offers on-campus housing primarily through its Office of Residence Life, which manages a variety of residence halls designed to support student convenience, community development, and academic success. Housing options include corridor-style, suite-style, combination-style, and townhouse accommodations, with facilities featuring amenities such as lounges, laundry rooms, recreational spaces, and proximity to campus resources.[41][42] Corridor-style halls, including Alumni Hall, Chautauqua Hall (opened in 1962 and co-educational with renovated lobbies and recreation rooms), Gregory Hall, McGinnies Hall, and Nixon Hall, provide traditional community living with shared bathrooms per floor and open lobbies equipped with seating and games. Suite-style buildings, such as Disney Hall, Eisenhower Hall, Grissom Hall, and Kasling Hall, offer semi-private living arrangements with one bathroom per suite, fostering smaller group interactions. Additional options encompass University Commons, a combination-style hall, and University Village townhouses, which cater to upperclassmen seeking more independent living with kitchen facilities.[41][43][44] For the 2025-2026 academic year, standard double rooms cost $4,300 per semester, while singles are $5,000; kitchen suites and University Commons doubles are $4,500 and singles $5,200, with University Village townhouses at $5,300 per semester. Housing contracts cover the full academic year, with freshmen strongly encouraged to reside on campus to facilitate integration into university life; assignments and roommate details are communicated via email prior to move-in. The system includes hall councils funded by $20 annual resident dues to support community programming, and access to the Schulz Wellness Center for fitness activities.[45][46]Architectural Features and Developments
The architecture of the SUNY Fredonia campus is characterized by a modernist aesthetic, prominently shaped by the designs of I.M. Pei and his firm, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, which introduced geometric forms, cast-in-place concrete structures, expansive glass facades, and beige brick elements during the 1960s and 1970s.[47] Pei's 1968 master plan incorporated an L-shaped Ring Road as a pedestrian spine and a central terrace, unifying the layout across the 256-acre site relocated beginning in 1941.[47] [2] Key Pei-designed buildings include Maytum Hall (constructed 1967–1971), the circular Williams Center student union (late 1960s), Daniel A. Reed Library (design awarded 1969), Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center (1968), McEwen Hall, and Houghton Hall, with the library earning the 1969 Prestressed Concrete Institute Award for its innovative structure.[47] [48] [49] Earlier developments trace to the institution's origins, with "Old Main" rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original Fredonia Normal School structure in the early 1900s, later repurposed as residential space.[2] Mason Hall, completed in 1941, marked the initial construction on the new campus site and served as a dedicated facility for the music program with functional, mid-century design elements.[32] Postwar expansions in the 1970s added six major buildings under Pei's influence, partnering with Henry N. Cobb, enhancing the campus's cohesive modernist profile. Subsequent developments emphasized functional upgrades and sustainability. The Daniel A. Reed Library received a significant addition in 1992, expanding its capacity while maintaining Pei's geometric vocabulary, though major renovations are ongoing with reopening planned for January 2028.[50] The Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center underwent a 2018 addition and renovation by Deborah Berke Partners, adding 60,000 square feet of new construction and 40,000 square feet of renovated space in a linear zinc-and-glass design achieving LEED Silver certification, transforming the original rear facade into a prominent entry.[38] [51] The Science and Technology Center, completed in 2014 at a cost of $60 million and designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, consolidated science departments into a 96,000-square-foot facility targeting LEED Gold status, featuring high-tech labs integrated with the existing Houghton Hall, which saw renovations starting in 2018 and completing in 2021.[52] [53] [35]Academics
Organizational Structure: Colleges and Schools
The State University of New York at Fredonia structures its academic offerings across four primary units: the College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the School of Business; and the School of Music. This organization supports a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and specialized training in key fields such as education, sciences, business, and performing arts.[54][25] The College of Education, Health Sciences, and Human Services oversees programs in teacher preparation, health professions, social work, and related human services disciplines. It provides academic advising and support services tailored to students in these areas, including pathways to certification in education and leadership roles in health and community services. The college maintains an office dedicated to student services, facilitating transitions from admission to graduation and professional placement.[55][54] The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences encompasses departments in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics, fostering foundational education and research in areas like biology, chemistry, English, history, and psychology. This unit aligns with Fredonia's historical emphasis on liberal arts within the SUNY system, supporting over 100 degree programs across the institution through core disciplinary offerings.[54][25] The School of Business delivers degrees in accounting, finance, management, marketing, business administration, music industry, sport management, and economics, preparing students for leadership in commercial and industry sectors. It emphasizes practical skills and diverse career tracks, including public accountancy and interdisciplinary business applications.[54] The School of Music, a nationally recognized program, focuses on music performance, education, and composition, with its Music Education bachelor's program achieving a 100% job placement rate for graduates. It offers advanced degrees such as the Master of Music in Music Education and prioritizes innovation alongside traditional conservatory training.[54][25]Degree Programs and Curriculum
The State University of New York at Fredonia confers bachelor's degrees in over 60 majors, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.), and Bachelor of Music (Mus.B.) degrees across disciplines such as business administration, biology, communication, English, history, mathematics, music, psychology, physics, and visual arts.[56][57] Graduate programs encompass approximately 18 master's degrees, including Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.), and Master of Music (M.M.), with emphases in areas like biology, English adolescence education, music education, literacy education, and a recently approved Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling launched in November 2023.[58][57][59] The institution also offers over 50 minors and five advanced certificates, such as in bilingual education and educational leadership.[56][57] Undergraduate programs emphasize hands-on experience, with notable strengths in education (23% of majors), visual and performing arts (20%), and business-related fields (8%), alongside sciences like biology and physics.[60][56] Graduate curricula build on these foundations, focusing on advanced professional preparation, such as teacher certification pathways and research-oriented tracks in sciences.[61] All bachelor's degrees require 120 unduplicated credit hours, including at least 45 semester hours in residency at Fredonia (taught by its faculty, encompassing on-campus, distance, and limited study abroad credits), a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 overall and in the major, completion of 45 upper-level (300+) credits, and fulfillment of major-specific courses.[62] Central to the curriculum is the College Core Curriculum (CCC), a general education framework aligned with SUNY system standards, aimed at developing well-rounded students by integrating foundational knowledge across categories to link learning with real-world application and adaptability.[63] Limits apply to certain credits, such as no more than 4 in physical education, 6 in arts ensembles, and 24 in internships.[62] Fredonia features four multi-award programs enabling qualified students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years, reducing time and undergraduate tuition costs for graduate-level coursework; examples include the B.S./M.S. in biology (with thesis or exam options for research preparation), B.A./M.A. in English adolescence education (leading to grades 7-12 certification), and Mus.B./M.M. in music education (incorporating extended private lessons and master classes).[64][57]Faculty and Research Output
As of fall 2024, SUNY Fredonia maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, reflecting a teaching-oriented environment with relatively small class sizes averaging 22 students.[1] [65] Approximately 85-87% of full-time faculty hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in their field, enabling specialized instruction across disciplines.[1] [66] The institution employs a mix of tenured, tenure-track, and adjunct faculty, with emphasis on full-time positions to support undergraduate mentoring; 55% of instructional staff are full-time, higher than the national average of 47%.[67] Research at SUNY Fredonia prioritizes faculty scholarship integrated with undergraduate education rather than large-scale funded projects typical of research universities. The Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs facilitates external funding pursuits, maintaining a portfolio of awards primarily in education, autism research, and environmental sciences, though aggregate expenditures remain modest compared to SUNY's research-intensive campuses.[68] [69] Faculty receive internal support via the Faculty Summer Research and Creativity Award, funding disciplinary inquiries during non-teaching periods.[70] Departmental efforts span biology (e.g., ecology, molecular biology), chemistry (e.g., RNA structure, catalysis), and geology (e.g., plant-water relations under climate stressors), often involving student co-authors.[71] [72] [73] Scholarly output includes peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and creative works, documented annually in institutional brochures; for instance, individual faculty have produced over 50 publications in areas like science education.[74] [75] Notable grants include a $50,000 NSF award for a flight data tracking system and REU opportunities for biology students.[76] [77] Total R&D expenditures, per NSF data, are limited, aligning with the campus's Carnegie classification as a master's college focused on teaching.[78] This structure fosters accessible research experiences but yields lower output volumes than Ph.D.-granting institutions, prioritizing pedagogical application over prolific publication metrics.[79]Rankings, Outcomes, and Criticisms
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, SUNY Fredonia is placed #76 among Regional Universities in the North and #25 among Top Public Schools in that category.[65] Niche.com's 2025-2026 assessments rank it #66 for Best Colleges for Music in America, #135 for Performing Arts, and in the top 29% nationally for Education (Teacher Preparation), though it scores lower in areas like #458 for Colleges with the Best Professors based on student reviews averaging 3.62 out of 5 from 1,258 respondents.[80] These mid-tier placements reflect strengths in arts programs but average performance overall for a public regional institution, with metrics emphasizing factors like graduation rates and faculty resources. Graduation rates at SUNY Fredonia stand at 37% within four years and approximately 53-64% within six years, below national averages for four-year institutions.[65][81] Post-graduation outcomes show 98% of alumni employed full- or part-time or pursuing further education within one year, with 86% in roles related to their major, per university data; independent sources report 91% employment one year out.[82][83] Median earnings six years post-graduation average $40,580, rising modestly to $42,300 after ten years, indicative of typical returns for regional public university graduates in fields like education and arts.[65][81] Criticisms of SUNY Fredonia center on enrollment declines—down about 40% since fall 2015 due to demographic shifts, reduced college-going rates, and competition—which have prompted a $10 million structural deficit and the elimination of 13 low-enrollment degree programs in 2023, representing 15% of majors but only 2% of students.[84][7][21] These cuts, including recommendations to phase out philosophy, have drawn protests over diminished academic breadth and quality, though enrollment has shown signs of stabilization in 2025 amid broader SUNY system trends.[85] Such fiscal pressures highlight vulnerabilities in sustaining program viability without larger applicant pools, potentially impacting long-term outcomes despite official claims of strong career placement.[82]Administration and Governance
Leadership and Presidents
The executive leadership of the State University of New York at Fredonia is led by the president, who reports to the SUNY Board of Trustees and oversees a cabinet comprising the provost/vice president for academic affairs, vice presidents for student affairs, finance and administration, university advancement, and enrollment management, as well as officers for diversity, equity and inclusion, human resources, information technology, and marketing and communications.[86] As of 2025, Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D., serves as the 14th president, having been appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees on June 29, 2020, and commencing his term on August 17, 2020; his background includes prior roles as executive vice president and provost at the University of Indianapolis, with degrees in forest economics from Iowa State University.[87] Kolison's installation ceremony occurred on September 9, 2022, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[88] SUNY Fredonia's presidential history traces back to its origins as the Fredonia Normal School in 1867, initially led by principals before transitioning to presidents with its elevation to a state teachers college and eventual integration into the SUNY system in 1948.[17] The sequence of leaders reflects periods of expansion, curriculum development, and adaptation to economic and wartime challenges, with enrollment growth and infrastructure projects prominent under later presidents. Key figures include:- Joseph Allen (1867–1869): First principal, establishing the Normal School with 147 students and no tuition for teacher trainees.[17]
- John Armstrong (1869–1878): Expanded the curriculum and founded a debating club; died in office.[17]
- Francis Palmer (1878–1906): Served 28 years, introducing art and music programs amid campus challenges like a fire.[17]
- Myron T. Dana (1906–1922): Focused on teacher training; enrollment declined during World War I.[17]
- Howard Burdge (1922–1928): Extended programs to three years and initiated summer sessions in 1923.[17]
- Hermann Cooper (1929–1931): Formed the first faculty council and acquired land for campus expansion.[17]
- Leslie Gregory (1931–1951): Navigated World War II and post-war growth via the G.I. Bill; oversaw initial modern buildings (interim: Robert Thompson, 1951–1953).[17]
- Harry W. Porter (1953–1961): Implemented innovative academic programs; later became SUNY provost.[17]
- Oscar E. Lanford (1961–1971): Quadrupled enrollment to 4,254 and commissioned I.M. Pei-designed facilities (interim prior: 1970–1971).[17]
- Dallas K. Beal (1971–1985): Managed fiscal recessions and campus growth; briefly interim in 1984.[17]
- Donald A. MacPhee (1985–1996): Advanced technology integration and faculty diversity, raising female faculty to 25%.[17]
- Dennis L. Hefner (1996–2012): Increased enrollment by 25% and secured $360 million for construction projects; returned as interim (2019–2020).[17]
- Virginia Schaefer Horvath (2012–2019): Expanded academic offerings and international enrollment.[17]

