SUNY Poly Taps Industry Leaders for Engineering Advisory Board

The SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) College of Engineering is proud to announce the formation of a new College of Engineering Advisory Board, a group of distinguished professionals from across New York State’s technology, construction, manufacturing, government, and infrastructure sectors. This newly formed board brings a powerful blend of public and private sector expertise to the table, offering a vital bridge between academia and industry.
The board includes leaders from key organizations in the region and beyond: Mark Cushman (Giotto Enterprises); Vinny Guerriero (AMAT); Chris Keimel (Menlo Microsystems); Robert Kocik (Hartman Enterprises, Inc.); Ben Langsdorf (Wolfspeed); Linda Lubey (New York State Department of Transportation); Anthony Macera (Air Force Research Laboratory); Zack Malison (CSArch); Adam Murling (Indium Corporation); Ken Osmun (LeChase Construction); Scott Robidoux (Assured Information Security); and Mackenzie Schrock (Corning).
“There is an incredible level of technological diversity represented on this board, and that diversity is what allows us to create powerful synergy between higher education and industry,” said Mark Cushman, a member of SUNY Poly’s College of Engineering Advisory Board. “This partnership fosters innovation, supports regional economic development, and most importantly, positions SUNY Poly students to thrive. We are not just supporting a college, we’re helping lead a broader movement that connects people, technology, and opportunity.”
The mission of the board is to advise the College on current and emerging industry needs, curriculum relevance, applied learning opportunities, and strategic growth. It also fosters deeper collaboration across the institution and the broader engineering ecosystem. The board is structured with an Executive Committee, Curriculum & Academic Excellence Committee, Industry Engagement and Workforce Development Committee, and Scholarship and Resources Committee, ensuring a clear, focused approach to advancing the college's vision.
“This advisory board is a key part of our efforts to connect classroom education with real-world engineering challenges,” said Dr. Abdullah Eroglu, Dean of the College of Engineering. “The board’s insights will guide us in developing future-facing programs and opportunities that serve both our students and the industries they will help lead.”
Strategic Reorganization Positions College for Greater Impact
In alignment with its strategic vision, the College of Engineering recently completed a thoughtful academic reorganization. This restructuring merges related programs to foster interdisciplinary collaboration while sharpening discipline-specific expertise.
The new departmental structure includes:
1. Civil & Mechanical Engineering (CME) Department
2. Computer Science Department
3. Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department
4. Engineering Technology Department
By aligning these programs under a more cohesive structure, the College is better positioned to deliver a modern, industry-informed education that equips students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel.
Growth in Graduate Programs
The College of Engineering is also on a growth trajectory, having recently launched its new Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. This graduate program responds directly to regional and national demand for civil engineers with advanced training and is now accepting applications for Spring 2026 enrollment.
Additional graduate programs are in development, including updates to existing offerings such as the Master of Science in Advanced Technology (MSAT). This expansion reflects the College’s commitment to offering a continuum of learning opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students, and to serving the talent pipeline needs of New York State and beyond.