SUNY Morrisville, a distinctive public university in Central New York, seeks its next President at a pivotal moment in its history. Founded in 1908 as the New York State School of Agriculture, SUNY Morrisville (Morrisville) has evolved into a comprehensive, applied-learning institution rooted in hands-on education, access, and workforce relevance. Today, the University is recognized for its experiential, career-connected programs; its commitment to sustainability; and its mission to prepare graduates to be leaders in their professions and communities.
Serving approximately 2,000 students from across New York State and beyond, SUNY Morrisville offers more than 50 associate and bachelor’s degree programs spanning agriculture, technology, sustainability, business, health, and the liberal arts. With a deeply applied academic model, small class sizes, and nationally recognized internship opportunities, Morrisville prepares students for meaningful careers and economic mobility. Nearly all graduates progress directly into their fields or continue their education within one year of graduation, underscoring the University’s strong outcomes and workforce alignment.
Reporting to SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., the President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the campus and is expected to provide visible, engaged leadership both on campus and externally. The President oversees a steadily growing institution within an enrollment-sensitive environment, positioned for continued momentum within the nation’s largest public higher education system. The President also plays a central role in advancing SUNY Morrisville’s Strategic Plan: 2030, which emphasizes sustainability, expanded access to experiential education, and leadership in career-focused learning.
SUNY Morrisville enters this transition with meaningful opportunities and clear challenges. The University has demonstrated positive first-year enrollment momentum and has invested in improving the first-year student experience, while retention and completion outcomes remain a central focus for continued improvement. Morrisville is stable and supported by the SUNY system, with recent enrollment growth, disciplined budgeting, and a successful comprehensive fundraising campaign that aims to raise $15 million, with more than $9 million already secured. Ongoing investments in facilities, infrastructure, and academic programs provide a foundation for long-term sustainability.
The next President will be charged with strengthening student success and belonging; sharpening Morrisville’s distinctive identity as an applied, workforce-focused university; advancing inclusive excellence with accountability; and deepening partnerships with community colleges, industry, and regional employers to support workforce development and economic mobility across New York State. Bringing financial acumen, a student-centered leadership approach, and the ability to navigate a complex higher education landscape, the next President will guide SUNY Morrisville through its next chapter of impact and growth. A terminal degree is required.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a mission-driven public university with a strong applied-learning tradition, a commitment to access and sustainability, and a clear role in advancing workforce readiness and economic opportunity for the region and the state.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com.
This will be a representational search, with no public announcement of finalist names. Selected individuals outside the search committee who meet with finalists will have signed a non-disclosure agreement.
WittKieffer is assisting SUNY Morrisville in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by May 28, 2026. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be directed to Melody Rose, Ph.D., Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., and Sarah Seavey at SUNYMorrisvillePresident@wittkieffer.com.
Recognizing the importance of diversity in assuring the success of students and graduates in an increasingly global environment, SUNY Morrisville is committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of hiring and employment.
SUNY Morrisville is committed to creating a vibrant community enriched by diverse perspectives, talents and experiences, and prohibits discrimination in employment based on gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, physical capability, age, creed, sexual identity, veteran status, and economic means. We encourage applications from candidates who share this commitment and will contribute to the diversity of our college community.
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