The State University of New York Board of Trustees voted June 29, 2020, to name Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D., as the new president of the State University of New York at Fredonia.
He will become the 14th president of SUNY Fredonia. The appointment is effective on or about August 17, 2020.
Dr. Kolison served as Executive Vice President and Provost for the University of Indianapolis beginning April 1, 2017 until his appointment at Fredonia. In this capacity, his wide range of responsibilities included providing leadership for achieving the academic mission of the university. He was instrumental in the planning of 10 new degree programs. He also secured overwhelming faculty support to establish three new types of faculty tracks in response to the needs of faculty across the university. Dr. Kolison also planned, launched, and completed the development of an intellectual life vision and an academic master plan for the university.
Throughout his career in higher education, he has been the principal investigator on grants totaling in the millions of dollars.
Dr. Kolison received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Liberia, and his Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Economics from Iowa State University at Ames.
“Thank you for this tremendous opportunity and confidence,” Dr. Kolison said. “To the students at Fredonia, I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to be of service to you all. Regardless of your background, the State University of New York at Fredonia is your university. You belong! So, embrace it, love it, and take full advantage of all that it has to offer. I will work hard each day to ensure that you are successful in your endeavors.”
“I am pleased that Dr. Kolison will soon be leading this exceptional university,” said Interim President Dennis Hefner. “His experience with public and private universities, his extensive grant record, his intimate knowledge of higher education systems, and his strong academic background give him the knowledge and experience necessary to assume this important leadership position during these very challenging times.”
