By Dan Murphy
Deborah Stanley, who has served as the President of SUNY Oswego for the past 26 years, was named the interim chancellor of the State University of New York by the Board of Trustees in a Dec. 20 announcement.
Stanley will replace James Malatras, who had to resign after a controversy concernng comments he made about a woman who accused former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment.
Stanley announced that she was stepping down at SUNY Oswego effective Dec. 31. She will begin her leadership of SUNY’s 64 college campuses on January 15, 2022. Stanley earned her law degree from Syracuse University.
“SUNY has a long and rich history of providing students the opportunity and access to the highest quality education at our premier colleges and research institutions, and President Stanley is the right educator at the right time to lead this prestigious university system,” said SUNY Board Chairman Dr. Merryl H. Tisch. “With President Stanley’s decades of leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and her unwavering support for students, she is well-positioned to serve our 64 campuses with a proven record of accomplishments, integrity, and intellect. On behalf of a thankful and proud Board of Trustees, we welcome Deborah as our new interim chancellor for the State University of New York and look forward to working alongside her to build on the greatness of this world-renowned institution.”
President Stanley said, “During my tenure at SUNY, I have had the great pleasure of collaborating with exemplary leaders at all levels throughout our system, and it is an incredible honor to continue that work with the SUNY Board of Trustees and our campus presidents. I do not take lightly our responsibility to make sure we are providing a safe and welcoming environment that allows our students to grow academically and provide the foundation to pursue and reach their goals and dreams. During this leadership transition, their success will be my highest priority, and I look forward to leading this great university system to new heights.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees also announced they are launching a global search in January 2022 for the permanent SUNY Chancellor. They plan to work with an executive search firm to identify, recruit, and encourage potential candidates; review the qualifications of applicants; and verify the credentials of all finalists.
In addition to her service to SUNY Oswego as President for more than 25 years, Stanely taught and earned tenure in the business school and served in administration as the vice president for academic affairs and provost.
Editor’s Note: This reporter served as Student Association President at SUNY Oswego in 1990, while Dr. Stanely served in the adminstration of then President Stephen Weber. We remember her effectiveness and dilligence during our interactions then, and wish her the best in her future position. My wife and I are proud parents of a current student at SUNY Oneonta.
