September 17, 2026
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Happy Thursday to you! I hope the new academic year is off to a successful and rewarding start for each of you. I attended the first University Senate meeting of the 2026-2027 academic year on September 14, 2026. My goals for attending were to welcome senators to the new academic year, reaffirm my commitment to working collaboratively, and provide an overview of the priorities that will guide the work of the President's Cabinet during the year ahead.
Since the adoption of our Strategic Plan in 2023, True Blue Transformations, I have worked to ensure that the University's key priorities remain closely aligned with its goals. Many of you will recall that divisions and departments across campus developed implementation plans designed to advance the Strategic Plan's objectives.
While meaningful progress has been made in all areas of the plan, Goal 2: Financial Sustainability has understandably received heightened attention. As we continue our efforts to eliminate the University's structural deficit and strengthen our long-term financial position, financial sustainability will remain a central focus. At the same time, it is equally important that we continue advancing the other goals of the Strategic Plan. The priorities I shared with the Senate are rooted in these goals and reflect our commitment to achieving a balanced and comprehensive approach to institutional success. This alignment ensures that our efforts remain focused on advancing the University's long-term vision and mission.
Rather than list all of these priorities here, I invite you to review them through this link, accessible to those with a fredonia.edu address, where you will find the materials I shared with the Senate.
You will also find in my update to the Senate, that I highlighted ways in which faculty, staff, and Senate members can continue contributing to these priorities and to our collective success as a university community.
I look forward to providing the Senate with periodic updates on our progress and accomplishments related to these priorities throughout the academic year. I recognize that Senators and members of our campus community may have additional priorities they believe should be considered. I welcome your suggestions and would be happy to review them. Please feel free to send your thoughts to me at presoff@fredonia.edu. Your engagement and feedback are important as we continue to advance the goals of the Strategic Plan.
Search for a New Vice President for Finance and Administration
In my update to the Senate, I identified the search for a new Vice President for Finance and Administration as an urgent institutional priority. Working closely with the Senate Executive Committee, I anticipate that a proposed slate of search committee members will be presented to the Senate for consideration and approval at its next meeting. In the interim, so that we are progressing with the search expeditiously, I have asked the Office Human Resources to have the position ready for posting next week.
I am also pleased to share that I have now met, both individually and collectively, with members of the Finance and Administration leadership team to discuss interim reporting structures while the search is underway. These conversations have been productive and encouraging, and I appreciate the team's professionalism and commitment during this transition period. I will share additional details regarding these reporting structures in the near future.
Bicentennial Convocation
Our Bicentennial Convocation will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026. During my Senate remarks, I extended an invitation to all senators to attend this special event. We are fortunate to have an outstanding keynote speaker whose insights promise to make this a memorable occasion. Opportunities to hear from speakers of this caliber are rare, and I would like to extend that invitation to each of you as well. I encourage you to make time to join us as we celebrate this important milestone in our university's history.
Other
Congratulations to Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch and her team for organizing a successful Constitution Day Program. It was heartwarming to see several faculty, students, staff, and emeritus faculty in attendance.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to our students, our mission, and one another. I wish each of you a productive, fulfilling, and successful semester.
Very truly yours, Dr. K Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
September 1, 2026
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Happy Tuesday!
As we begin a new academic year, I want to take this opportunity to greet you and wish you the best. I hope each of you enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating summer. For those who traveled or spent time away, welcome back to campus.
On August 26, 2026, we gathered for our All-Fredonia Faculty/Staff Conference to celebrate the start of the new academic year. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the conference's many offerings, including the opening plenary session. Congratulations to all who were recognized for their achievements and contributions and thank you for the many ways you help advance our university's mission.
I am also deeply grateful to everyone who helped create the special Bicentennial Birthday Moment during the faculty and staff patio BBQ and the IC Street Festival. As we celebrate 200 years of Fredonia's remarkable history, I encourage you to visit our Bicentennial website and explore the many commemorative activities already underway, as well as those still to come: https://200.fredonia.edu/. As our bicentennial commemoration continues through spring 2027, I am hopeful that we will not only honor our rich legacy but also generate meaningful support to enhance student access, persistence, and success at Fredonia. If you can, please encourage giving to the Bicentennial Fund.
During the plenary session, time constraints prevented me from sharing my complete presentation. In the future, we will structure the program to ensure the coverage of agenda items in a timely manner. I would, however, like to briefly preview some of the priorities I was unable to discuss.
At the first University Senate meeting in September, I will present several priorities for Academic Year 2026-2027. These priorities, which include advancing academic excellence, strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing Fredonia's distinct identity, and promoting wellness across our campus community, are firmly grounded in our True Blue Transformation Strategic Plan: https://www.fredonia.edu/strategic-plan-2023. Together, the initiatives planned for this academic year are designed to advance excellence, opportunity, and distinction throughout the university.
Of course, as I reflect on the priorities for this academic year, I am mindful that our structural deficit continues to present a significant challenge. The reality of this financial situation requires our ongoing attention and thoughtful action. At the same time, we must not allow our financial challenges to define us or limit our aspirations. As I have emphasized previously, we must address our financial realities with discipline, transparency, and determination while simultaneously pursuing opportunities that position Fredonia for long-term success. Strategic investment in areas with the highest potential for impact, growth, and sustainability will be essential. While the path forward will require difficult decisions and collective effort, I remain confident in our capacity to meet these challenges and build a stronger future together.
I hope many of you have already had the opportunity to meet our new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Julie Gorlewski. She has begun her listening and learning tour across campus, and I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities over the coming weeks to connect with her, share your perspectives, and learn more about her vision and priorities.
It has been energizing to meet so many of our new students. As you may have learned, the number of transfer students choosing our university this year has risen to a level we have not seen in many years. Equally impressive is the growth in our graduate enrollment. Overall, our enrollment trend is moving in a very positive direction.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Kathryn Kendall, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Services, the divisional team, and to the many faculty and staff across the university whose efforts helped bring this outstanding class to campus. We are making significant investments in our enrollment strategies and initiatives to sustain this momentum and continue building on our success. Thank you for your commitment to our students and our university. I look forward to working with you throughout the year ahead.
Thank you to those of you for showing your SUNY Fredonia spirit by wearing blue today for True Blue Tuesday. Cheers!
I wish you all a successful and rewarding school year.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor
August 31, 2026
Dear Students,
Happy Monday!
To our new students, welcome to SUNY Fredonia! To our returning students, welcome back as we begin another exciting academic year together.
New students, we are delighted that you have chosen SUNY Fredonia for the next stage of your educational journey. It was a pleasure meeting many of you last week during the various welcome activities and events. I hope you are settling in well, becoming familiar with campus, and building friendships and connections that will enrich your college experience.
Students, as you begin this new academic year, I would like to share an important reminder. While intellectual ability is certainly essential for success in college, it is only part of the equation. Success also requires resilience, hard work, personal well-being, sound decision-making, and a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and social engagement. As you navigate these things, please know that the faculty, staff, and leadership of SUNY Fredonia are deeply invested in your success and are here to assist you.
If at any point during the year you encounter challenges, do not hesitate to seek assistance. No matter what difficulties you may face, I encourage you not to struggle alone or consider leaving campus without first reaching out for help. Again, there are many people and resources here to support you. Hence, please keep the following resources readily available should you need them:
- Academic Support and Advising: 716-673-3188; advising@fredonia.edu
- Mental Health and Wellness Support: 716-673-3424; care@fredonia.edu
- Health: 716-673-3131; health.center@fredonia.edu
- Financial Assistance and Guidance: 716-673-3253; financial.aid@fredonia.edu
- Other Student Support Services: https://www.fredonia.edu/about/all-student-support-services
I am truly glad that you are here. Always remember that you belong here. This is your university, and I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities, experiences, and resources it offers. I wish each of you a rewarding, successful, and memorable academic year.
As we celebrate SUNY Fredonia's Bicentennial, may this year be one of growth, achievement, and discovery for all of you.
Very truly yours,
Dr. K
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor