Board meetings, strategic plans, and buyer signals from Willie Leong’s organization
Jun 12, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Empire State University Council Minutes
The council meeting addressed several strategic and operational updates. The University President reported on recent commencement activities, shifts in the SUNY funding model, projected budgetary deficits despite enrollment growth, and the launch of a leadership council. The Senate Chair provided an overview of academic policy changes and institutional growth efforts. The Office for Advancement presented on its integrated structure, fundraising goals aligned with the strategic plan, endowment management, and strategies for engaging alumni and donors. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding council members' roles in advocacy and potential funding opportunities for capital projects.
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The University Council meeting addressed enrollment growth, including successful early college and dual enrollment initiatives with NYC public schools and a new national marketing campaign. Leadership transitions were discussed, including upcoming appointments and ongoing searches. The Council reviewed the university's improved Composite Financial Index, current fiscal health, and capital funding strategies in light of deferred maintenance needs. Furthermore, the meeting covered proposed procurement reforms to increase discretionary thresholds, the financial growth of the University Foundation, and a rebound in sponsored program awards.
Dec 12, 2025·BoardMeeting
Board
University Council Minutes
The meeting commenced with the introduction of new members, Christopher Erikson and Howard Foote, and a recognition for Donna Luh upon her final University Council meeting. Key reports covered commencement ceremonies held on December 5th, advocacy efforts including a podcast episode on empowering adult learners, and the recognition of veteran and military students. Further discussions included the SUNY Empire Foundation's purchase of an adjacent property for donor events and new scholarship pledges received. The enrollment update noted growth in both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing alignment with employment outcomes. A significant portion of the meeting focused on expanding workforce development, with SUNY Empire gaining recognition as a solutions-oriented partner, leading to accelerated program requests and the hiring of a new NYC workforce development director. Achievements included creating 25 new NYS Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship titles, exceeding the goal of 10. A partnership with Northwell Health was highlighted, naming SUNY Empire the lead online higher education institution for several career pathways. Discussions also covered marketing strategies for workforce programs, including a new website and geofencing campaigns.
Sep 19, 2025·BoardMeeting
Board
University Council Minutes
The meeting included a welcome to two new Council members, Greg Connors and Edgar Santana, and a report from the Senate Chair. The University Council Overview emphasized the role of the Council in advising the president, staying informed on financial and programmatic activities, and developing recommendations for presidential appointments. A presentation detailed the transformation of Empire State College into Empire State University, highlighting current enrollment figures (over 17,500 students), its mission as New York's only online public university, increased workforce hiring, and structural reorganization. Key future initiatives discussed include building capacity for AI and constructing an event center at the 111 West Avenue location in Saratoga. The development timeline for the events center was noted to be near the bidding stage.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
