History of SUNY Poly
SUNY Polytechnic Institute: A Brief History
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, commonly known as SUNY Poly, has a rich history rooted in technological innovation and higher education in the Mohawk Valley. SUNY Poly was initially established in 1966 as a graduate and upper-division (transfer) institution in 1966 known as the Upper Division College at Herkimer/Rome/Utica. The college campus, located in Utica, occupies more than 400 acres, with major buildings, including four residential complexes, surrounded by trees and green landscape.
Today, SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees – via its four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences – in engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including biology, game design, mathematics, and social sciences.
Furthermore, as a polytechnic institution, SUNY Poly offers a robust and diverse range of professional, technical, and liberal arts programs, combining theory and practice to prepare graduates for rewarding careers that will enable them to be contributing members of society. With approximately 3,000 students currently enrolled, SUNY Poly recognizes that a strong, student-centered educational program is the foundation for baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral education.
Looking Forward
Guided by the four pillars of its Strategic Plan, SUNY Poly continues to evolve and is charting a path to becoming the State and nation’s premier public polytechnic, expanding its academic offerings and research initiatives to meet the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
SUNY Poly President
Winston “Wole” Soboyejo
2023-present
Past Presidents
Alain Kaloyeros
President and CEO
2015-2016
Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros was president and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the field of nanotechnology. Under Kaloyeros, SUNY Poly merged with U-Albany's CNSE, that was eventually moved back under Albany in 2023. Under his leadership, SUNY Poly became a global hub for nanoscience research and development, significantly advancing New York's high-tech economy. Dr. Kaloyeros' approach and dedication to innovation have left a lasting impact on the institution.
Wolf Yeigh
2008-2013
Dr. Wolf Yeigh served as the president of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he led significant advancements in academic programs and research initiatives. His tenure was marked by a commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines. Dr. Yeigh's leadership strengthened SUNY Poly's reputation as a leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Mason Somerville
2002-2004
A career academic with degrees in mechanical engineering, Somerville came to SUNYIT from the post of dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Northern Arizona University.
Peter J. Cayan
1982-2002
After serving on the SUNY Delhi faculty for 13 years, and six years as president of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, Cayan took the helm at SUNY Poly, then called the SUNY College of Technology, in 1982.
At the start of his tenure, which is the longest of any president in the university’s history, the institution was located in converted industrial buildings in Utica. His arrival as president came just months after groundbreaking ceremonies were held in Marcy for a new campus. The first building, Kunsela Hall, was completed in 1984. Additional construction soon followed, including Donovan Hall, the Campus Center, and the Adirondack and Mohawk Residence Halls.
In 1994, Cayan created a Task Force on Institutional Symbols to examine colors, logo, seal and mascot. After an extensive exploration of the issues, and input from students, alumni and other constituencies, new school colors – blue and gray – were adopted. The college’s “UDC” logo, seal and Wildcat mascot were retained. He also was president when the university welcomed its first freshmen to campus. After giving the institution 12 months notice, Cayan retired in June 2002, the end of his 20th year as head of the university. Shortly after his retirement, he returned to campus as the $14 million Peter J. Cayan Library was dedicated in his honor in May 2003.
William R. Kunsela
1973-1982
After 17 years as president of the State University of Delhi, William R. Kunsela’s tenure as president of the State University College at Utica-Rome began in 1973, believing in the institution’s great potential. Under his leadership, the college increased enrollment and program offerings. Also, Kunsela, who was a tireless advocate for the establishment of SUNY’S Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, is credited with convincing lawmakers to make that dream a reality. Today, Kunsela Hall, which is the location of SUNY Poly’s administrative suite and the majority of campus staff, in addition to having additional classroom space, is named in his honor.
Robert W. MacVittie
1971-1972
The first president of SUNY Polytechnic Institute – then the State University College of Technology – Robert W. MacVittie served in this leadership role for three months while also serving as the president of SUNY Geneseo, a post he held from 1963 until 1979.
Interim Leadership
Andrew L. Russell – Officer-in-Charge
Tod A. Laursen – Acting President
Grace J. Wang – Interim President
Bahgat G. Sammakia – Interim President
Alexander N. Cartwright – Officer-in-Charge
Robert Geer – Acting President
Peter A. Spina – Interim President
Complete Timeline
(all previous presidents, including interim and acting presidents)
Winston “Wole” Soboyejo – President (2023-present)
Andrew L. Russell – Officer-in-Charge (2022-2023)
Tod A. Laursen – Acting President (2021-2022)
Grace J. Wang – Interim President (2020-2021)
Bahgat G. Sammakia – Interim President (2018-2020)
Alexander N. Cartwright – Officer-in-Charge (2016-2018)
Alain E. Kaloyeros – President and CEO (2015-2016)
Robert Geer – Acting President (2013-2015)
Wolf Yeigh – President (2008-2013)
Peter A. Spina – Interim President (2004-2008)
Mason Somerville – President (2002-2004)
Peter J. Cayan – President (1982-2002)
William R. Kunsela – President (1973-1982)
Robert W. MacVittie – First President (1971-1972)
