Our cross-cutting theme for the year has been engagement and connection. It has infused our strategic planning. This has taken a variety of forms.

Shared mission, vision, and values

We worked together to develop a shared mission, vision, and values to guide decision-making and align with SUNY Oneonta’s institutional goals. In doing so, we fostered a collaborative environment rooted in shared governance, transparency, and accountability, and strengthening partnerships across the School.

Strengthening Partnerships

• We strengthened partnerships with alumni in major employers like ABM, M&T Bank, and JP Morgan to build recruitment pipelines for internships and professional positions for our current students and graduating seniors.
• We welcomed Business Advisory Council (BAC) members Scott Salmirs ‘83, John Demelis ‘88, John Doherty ‘87, Duke Gallagher ‘75, Chad Hall, Steve Walsh, and Dennis Sinnott ‘90 to discuss future directions for the Business Department and experiential learning opportunities.
• We worked with College Advancement and alumni to secure new scholarship and capital funds to make our programs and opportunities for internships and experiential learning accessible to more students.
• The bridge-building crossed borders. Profa. Maria Cristina Montoya (World Languages and Literatures) partnered with Prof. Adam Kent (Music) and colleagues at the Universidad de Caldas in Manizales, Colombia, to explore the intersections of Colombian coffee culture and tango music.
• Visits by alumni like our BAC members and photographer Bertram Knight ’19 (right) were valuable networking opportunities for our students.
• We formalized dual admissions agreements with SUNY Broome, Schenectady Community College, and Hudson Valley Community College to welcome associates degree reciptients into specific LAB majors.