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