April 1, 2026
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Let me begin this update with a few special acknowledgements. As many of you noticed, our campus was buzzing with many activities last weekend. I am deeply appreciative of the many invitations I received to attend these events. While I was not able to be present at every event, I want to extend my sincere thanks for the tremendous effort that went into organizing and delivering such a wide range of engaging activities across our campus.
- Kudos to the organizers and participants of the BSU Fashion Show for a truly remarkable event. The outfits, confident stage presence, and music were outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I was able to spend there. Congratulations and encore!
- Congratulations as well to Emily Schaad for a tremendous performance on Saturday evening, featuring the Fredonia College Symphony Orchestra, Chaconne Orchestra, and Vivace Orchestra. This event was a powerful example of collaboration among conductors Jonathan Handman, Emily Schaad, and Danielle Stier.
- A special shoutout goes to the Fredonia Dance Ensemble for their outstanding contribution. I understand that more than 80 students, faculty, and staff were involved in bringing this production to life. My congratulations also extend to Czerton Lim, Managing Producer of the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series, the students, and all who contributed to the success of this performance.
- Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who helped make this year’s Big Blue Welcome Day such a success. The energy of the day and the positive feedback we received from prospective students and parents speak volumes about the dedication and pride of our community. A big thank-you to the enrollment management team, along with the many faculty and staff members, whose collective efforts made this event possible.
University Senate Meeting Updates
On Monday, March 30, I presented at the University Senate meeting and shared updates on several university priorities. Because I had submitted a written update to the Senate in advance of the meeting, I spent most of the time responding to questions related to that update, as well as addressing other important questions about the university.
I recognize that, among the topics discussed, the program realignment process and the pending decisions remain foremost in the minds of many. I shared with the Senate that I have now received the Cabinet’s draft recommendations and am reviewing them carefully. This is a substantial and detailed body of information, and my priority is to ensure that I fully understand the nuances of each recommendation. As a next step, I will be meeting with several department chairs to hear directly from them about the challenges and opportunities within their respective programs. As indicated previously, I will also have consultations with our partners at SUNY and with the University Council.
I want to be clear that these meetings with department chairs do not signal any final decisions. In certain areas, hearing directly from chairs will help ensure that decisions are well-informed, thoughtful, and aligned with the institution’s long-term well-being.
I understand that waiting for decisions such as these can be difficult. I have heard concerns that decisions could extend beyond May 2026, and I want to assure you that I am working as quickly and diligently as possible to avoid that outcome. I am grateful for your patience and understanding.
Thank you for your time and continued engagement. I wish you a very good rest of the week.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
March 27, 2026
Dear Students,
Happy Friday! I hope you had an enjoyable spring break. For those who traveled away from campus, it is wonderful to welcome you back to campus. With the spring break now behind us, we are quickly approaching the end of the academic year. As always, I wish you the very best as you prepare for this final stretch to the finish line.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the opportunity to meet students (even if only for a few minutes) and hear about their journeys. Whether our conversations happen on a campus sidewalk, in the cafeteria, at a performance or athletic event, or in a faculty member’s office or lab, I am continually inspired by what is shared with me. Hence, for this update, I want to celebrate some of the outstanding students we have here at Fredonia and recognize their remarkable accomplishments.
Over the past few weeks, I had the pleasure of visiting with four students who have been selected for the highest awards undergraduate students can receive at Fredonia – the Lanford Presidential Prize; the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence; and the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. I am truly in awe of their achievements and excited to highlight them in this update. I will also be offering a shout-out and other information in this update.
Lanford Presidential Prize
I was honored to meet and notify Julia Teresa Skiba, a senior majoring in Molecular Genetics, that she was the recipient of the Lanford Presidential Prize. The Lanford Presidential Price is the highest honor awarded to graduating seniors at SUNY Fredonia.
A graduate of Averill Park High School, Julia will be formally celebrated during the morning Commencement ceremony, where she will receive the Lanford Presidential Prize medallion. Established by the Oscar and Esther Lanford Endowment of the Fredonia College Foundation, the prize honors a graduating student who exemplifies balanced achievement, personal integrity, exceptional intellectual growth, excellent academic achievement, and outstanding service and engagement across multiple areas of the university. Congratulations to Julia!
Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence
I am very proud to recognize Ms. Moraya Sorimar Bautista as this year’s recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Moraya is a junior majoring in Psychology with minors in History and Spanish. She is a graduate of Dunkirk High School and exemplifies the perseverance, academic merit, and commitment to service that define this prestigious award.
Now in its seventh year, the McConney Award celebrates outstanding students in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and is named for Norman R. McConney Jr., a 1971 SUNY Albany graduate and former Assistant Dean for Special Programs. Along with former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, he helped establish the EOP as a statewide initiative in 1967. This award represents the highest systemwide recognition for EOP students. Congratulations to Moraya!
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence
The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional achievement across academics, leadership, service, and creative or scholarly work. It is the highest honor a student can receive from the State University of New York. This year two of our students – Alex Scalcione and Sivan Adler – were selected for this award.
Alexander Scalcione
Alexander G. Scalcione is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Development, and minors in Web Programming, Data Science, and Statistics. A proud graduate of Union Endicott High School (Endicott, NY, Class of 2022), Alex has distinguished himself through academic excellence and exemplary involvement in his program.
Sivan Adler
This spring, Sivan Adler will graduate with an impressive double major, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic and Gender Studies. A proud alumna of Albany High School and Hudson Valley Community College, Sivan has blended artistic passion with a deep commitment to social understanding and advocacy.
Both Alex and Sivan will be recognized at a special SUNY ceremony in April and at commencement with a special position in the processional party, and I hope you will join me in celebrating their outstanding contributions to our campus community. Congratulations to Alex and Sivan!
Advocacy in Albany, NY
I attended SUNY’s Friends of SUNY reception at the Legislative Building in Albany, NY, on the evening of March 11, 2026. Earlier that day, I dedicated time to direct advocacy on behalf of SUNY and SUNY Fredonia. I was fortunate to meet with our representatives, NYS Senator George Borrello and NYS Assemblyman Andrew Molitor.
I also had the pleasure of visiting Assemblyman William Conrad III (Class of 2000), who represents the 140th District and is a proud SUNY Fredonia alumnus. During these meetings, I discussed SUNY’s top priorities for the 2026 - 27 budget, including proposed investments in Operating Aid, ASAP and ACE Expansion, Empire State Service Corps Expansion, Emergency Aid for Students, Critical Maintenance and Emergency Avoidance, and the Educational Opportunity Program.
The conversations were productive and very encouraging.
Again, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the SUNY Fredonia students who traveled to Albany a few weeks ago to champion SUNY through their own advocacy efforts. From my conversations with several of the students involved, it is clear they had a truly fantastic and energizing experience. Kudos to all of you. Thank you for making us proud!
Appointment of a new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
On March 18, 2026, I announced the appointment of Dr. Julie Gorlewski, Fredonia’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Gorlewski will bring a wealth of experience to SUNY Fredonia. She currently serves as the Klara and Larry Silverstein Dean of the School of Education at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY). She will join us on July 6, 2026.
Recognition for Fredonia Radio Systems
Shout-out to the students from Fredonia Radio Systems who attended the National Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference and Award Ceremony in New York City. They returned with four trophies: Kevin Chicas and Nox Blair for Best Spot News, Matt Volz for Best Sports Update, AJ Govenettio for Best ID – Broadcast Station, and WDVL for Best Streaming-Only Station (under 10,000 students). This marks the first time in the radio station’s history that it has earned this distinguished award. Congratulations to all the students who participated and contributed to bringing this prestigious honor to our campus. Special thanks, as well, to the Office of Student Creativity and Research for helping fund the trip and to the group’s advisor, Associate Professor Mike Igoe of the Department of Communication.
Have a great weekend everyone. I will be back in touch.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
March 13, 2026
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I am writing to keep you updated on several key initiatives currently underway.
Since my last message to you on February 27, 2026, we have continued to make progress on the search for Fredonia’s next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. You should expect a campus announcement next week on the outcome of the search. I appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked through the search process. As you can imagine, a search of this magnitude requires great care to ensure that no critical matters are overlooked, even after the search committee has made its recommendations. This includes confirming alignment between institutional expectations and candidates’ aspirations, conducting due diligence and background checks, and engaging in negotiations related to the offer, start date, and public announcements. All of this must be carried out while safeguarding the privacy of the candidates. I am sure you can appreciate the amount of time these steps require. At the same time, I believe you will be pleased to know that, compared to many vice-presidential searches at Fredonia, this search has been among the most expeditious — moving from the date of appointment of an interim leader to a schedule for announcing an outcome, all in under one calendar year. Hence, I am deeply grateful to the Search Committee, the Office of Human Resources, and our Search Firm for their diligence and hard work in achieving this outcome.
I would also like to provide an update regarding the program realignment materials my office received from the Provost’s Office on February 23, 2026. Given the significance of this work, I asked the President’s Cabinet to review the materials and provide recommendations to me. I expect to receive their recommendations sometime next week.
Once I have their input, I will conduct my own independent review and then share my perspectives with the University Council and our partners at SUNY for additional advice and feedback. With those insights in hand, and as needed, I will reach out to selected departments to clarify aspects of their program information to ensure I have the most complete understanding possible before making any final decisions. To be clear, such meetings will be for clarification only and should not be interpreted as signaling any final outcomes.
I would like to emphasize how important it is that I take the necessary care and time to reach decisions on this work. I recognize that many across our campus are eager to know about the future of our programs, and I understand that desire. It is also essential that we approach this process deliberately and thoughtfully. Given our financial situation and the need to resolve our longstanding structural deficit by fall 2028, our overarching goal is to align our academic offerings with student demand in a way that positions Fredonia for long-term strength, relevance, and financial sustainability. I am grateful for your understanding.
Finally, the Academic Affairs Structural Realignment Working Group has begun its efforts and is now engaged with our external advisor. I have asked the group to provide a status update to me within the next week. I charged the Working Group to engage the campus community in its work, and I encourage you to participate to the extent possible.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Fredonia. I appreciate your patience and engagement as we move through this period.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
February 27, 2026
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Happy Friday to each of you!
As we progress further into the Spring 2026 semester, I want to take a moment to share with you several important updates on endeavors that continue to shape our work and our future as an institution.
Provost Search Update
I wish to extend thanks and deep appreciation to the members of the search committee for the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Thank you to those of you who participated in the interviews and open sessions. The search committee has completed its work and recently made recommendations to me. I am currently reviewing their recommendations and campus feedback. I look forward to being able to offer an update to the campus as soon as possible. To the students who served on the committee, I hope you found your participation to be a tremendous learning experience.
Academic Program Review
Following extensive work throughout the fall—including town halls, financial modeling and revisions, and consultation with faculty and departments—the Academic Program Realignment review is entering its next phase. I have received materials, including the department input, from the Interim Provost, consistent with the established timeline.
I want to recognize how difficult this process has been, and I thank the many campus community members who engaged in the discussions and attended the meetings with Interim Provost Judy Horowitz and VP Lynch. In the coming weeks, I will review these materials with the President’s Cabinet, followed by consultations with SUNY and external partners. I want to assure you that no decisions have been made, and I remain committed to taking the time necessary for a thorough and careful evaluation of all information, as well as potential impacts before any decisions are final. I appreciate your patience.
Academic Affairs Structural Realignment Working Group
As I introduced during my January 2026 campus presentation, I have appointed the Academic Affairs Structural Realignment Working Group. This group, with the assistance of an external advisor, will explore administrative models that would align better with our enrollment and financial realities. Their charge and timeline are available on the Presidential Committees and Initiatives webpage. I expect their recommendations by the end of May 2026.
New York State Budget Priorities
SUNY Presidents and various stakeholder groups have been advocating collectively for several priorities identified by the SUNY System. These priorities are aimed at strengthening campuses and providing significant benefits for students across the entire system.
I want to thank everyone who has engaged in advocating for our campus, our students, and the system. I especially want to recognize and thank the SUNY Fredonia Student Association leaders and the many other students for their advocacy and engagement efforts. Their recent trip to Albany in February to advocate for SUNY’s budget priorities was both effective and commendable. Their involvement reflects the strong commitment of our students to the future of SUNY Fredonia and public higher education in New York State.
Bicentennial Planning
As you may have noticed, we have begun preparations for the observance of our bicentennial, an extraordinary milestone in the life of SUNY Fredonia. Even as we navigate challenges and make difficult decisions, it is important to recognize our 200 years of impact, resilience, and achievement. Our bicentennial offers us the opportunity not only to reflect on our history, but also to reaffirm our shared purpose and mission, and look forward to the future with optimism. As programming develops, I look forward to participating with you to elevate this momentous occasion. Among many things about the bicentennial that I am excited about is the Bicentennial Fund. This fund was established to support student access and persistence-to-completion. Already, as envisioned, this fund is making a difference in terms of affordability for students. I encourage you to submit programming ideas to the Bicentennial Programming Subcommittee and find additional ways to tie the bicentennial to your department, discipline, or the many existing activities and events you host through the 2026-2027 academic year. Please visit the bicentennial site at Home | Fredonia Bicentennial 200 Years
In closing, it is my understanding that Dunkirk Dave has signaled an early spring. I hear he is pretty good at his predictions. So, let’s look forward to warmer weather soon while keeping coats and jackets close by. Have a wonderful weekend. Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
February 16, 2026
Dear Faculty and Staff,
As we continue our work on the financial sustainability plan, I want to acknowledge that this is an especially stressful period, especially in the context of working through the program review process. I want to reassure you that input from the faculty and departments is being taken seriously, and we are still reviewing the data and input – no decisions have been made as part of the program review process.
At the same time, several routine administrative and personnel activities that occur each semester are also underway, including standard contract renewals and appointment decisions that follow established HARP timelines and procedures. These processes are separate from the program review, though their timing may overlap. I remain committed to communication and transparency to the extent permitted by our collective bargaining agreements. Please keep in mind that discussions involving personnel in all cases are necessarily confidential.
Please be assured that we will continue following all necessary collective bargaining procedures. And, as a reminder, we ask that our campus community members respect the privacy of anyone who may be impacted by personnel decisions.
Sincerely,
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President