The transition to a new president anticipated this fall at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, including a framework for the college moving forward, were topics for State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson during her visit to SUNY Poly. Johnson, whose stop at SUNY Poly’s Marcy campus Tuesday afternoon included a “town hall” meeting with faculty, students and staff, said “we want to give...a platform” for the new president to work with.

SUNY Poly’s interim president, Bahgat G. Sammakia, will return June 15 to his vice president of research position at SUNY Binghamton, said Johnson; he was appointed interim president in late 2016. Another interim president will be appointed, and then a new president will be appointed to start this fall, Johnson added. She cited an “international search” for a new president.

When asked about SUNY Poly’s future structure, Johnson said “we’re keeping this organization the same.” SUNY Poly has an Albany campus in addition to Marcy.

The Marcy campus is “spectacular...beautiful,” commented Johnson, who noted increases in both the size and academic achievements of the freshman class. She observed “the future is very bright.”

Johnson, who became chancellor of the statewide SUNY system effective last September, said this was her second visit to SUNY Poly’s Marcy campus, after previously coming for a Faculty Senate meeting. She referred to an upcoming “framework for a sustainable future” process in conjunction with the new president, including “recommendations for moving forward for this fantastic institution.” Included will be involvement from faculty and staff, plus developing “ways and means” to “carry out initiatives.”

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