UTICA, NY – Bill Dustin has joined SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) as their Coordinator of University Conferencing and Events, bringing more than 20 years of experience in higher education, event administration, talent buying, and industry consulting, to the role.

“Bill brings a vast amount of experience to SUNY Poly working with external clients in successfully planning and executing conferences, summer camps, workshops and events,” said SUNY Poly Vice President of Institutional Advancement Andrea LaGatta. “We’re pleased to welcome Bill to our team and appreciate the leadership role he will take in working with campus partners to provide memorable experiences on our beautiful campus.”

“I am excited to join SUNY Poly at a time of great momentum and cannot wait to bring more community members to our university,” said Dustin. “I want them to have the best experience possible so that they have the desire to not only return to our campus, but to share their SUNY Poly story with others. I’m a firm believer that events, activities, and community engagement play a vital role in the vibrancy of a campus climate and I am happy to be involved.”

For more than 17 years, Dustin worked in event coordination and administration roles at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), most recently serving as Director of Events and Guest Services. While at MVCC, he managed external groups that used conference or performing arts facilities on their Utica and Rome campuses, chaired the Cultural Events Council and oversaw the development of the annual MVCC Cultural Series event program (including such performers and presenters as Bill Nye, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Maya Angelou, Nick Jonas, and more), and was responsible for the organization of their commencement ceremonies.

Prior to, and during some of his time at MVCC, Dustin was the Chief Entertainment Officer (CEO) for MAGIC ROCKS!™ featuring Illusionist, and Utica-native, Leon Etienne. He also founded The Showcase Agency, a national entertainment booking, talent buying, and event coordination agency.

Dustin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Childhood Education, from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY and has earned multiple certifications and awards that demonstrate his commitment to service, including Disney Institute certificates ("Quality Service" and "Employee Engagement") and the SUNY Chancellor's Award of Excellence. 

If you’re interested in having an event and/or utilizing spaces on SUNY Poly’s campus, Dustin can be reached at bill.dustin@sunypoly.edu.