Dr. Winston Oluwole Sobayejo, the 7th President of SUNY Poly, exemplifies a remarkable journey of academic excellence and visionary leadership. His story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to education and community development.
A Legacy of Education
Born to highly educated parents, with his father being one of the first African Americans to earn a PhD in engineering from Stanford, Dr. Sobayejo was instilled with a profound appreciation for education from an early age. This foundation would shape his future endeavors and philosophy.
Academic Journey and Inspiration
Dr. Sobayejo pursued his PhD at Stanford, focusing on AI and robotics. During this time, he often grappled with self-doubt, questioning whether his contributions would measure up to those of great scientists like Isaac Newton or Charles Darwin. A pivotal moment in his academic journey came when he observed Stephen Hawking teaching complex material and enjoying interactions with students. This experience inspired Dr. Sobayejo to pursue a similar path in academia, dedicated to both groundbreaking research and meaningful student engagement.
Innovations at Princeton
Following his studies, Dr. Sobayejo spent 17 years at Princeton University as part of their PRISM research program. His work centered on the intersection of materials science and global development, particularly in health and sustainability. During this period, he led several groundbreaking innovations, including developing low-cost solar cells, using nanomaterials to detect cancer cells, and creating sustainable methods for water purification.
African University Leadership
Prior to his appointment at SUNY Poly, Dr. Sobayejo served as the president and provost of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Abuja, Nigeria. This Pan-African university, funded by the Nelson Mandela Institute (NMI), further highlighted Dr. Sobayejo's commitment to education and development in Africa.
SUNY Poly Presidency
Dr. Sobayejo’s appointment as the 7th President of SUNY Poly marked a new chapter in his career and for the institution. His investiture ceremony was a celebration of his achievements and the promise of his leadership. Attended by his wife, Morenike Sobiejo, their four sons dressed in SUNY Poly’s official colors, and extended family, the event was a testament to both personal and professional support. During the ceremony, RoAnn Destito, the council chair, and SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King honored Dr. Sobayejo with the presidential regalia and medallion, officially recognizing him as SUNY Poly’s seventh president. Destito highlighted the historic nature of Dr. Sobayejo’s unanimous support during his presidential candidacy, noting his commitment to community and student engagement.
Impact and Vision
The SUNY chancellor praised Dr. Sobayejo as a key economic driver for the Mohawk Valley, especially in advancing technology sectors like AI and robotics. Under his leadership, SUNY Poly has already seen significant achievements, including the reaccreditation of the nursing program. Dr. Sobayejo’s leadership style, characterized by empathy and community involvement, has been praised by local leaders and former colleagues. Astina Smith, assistant director of dorm life and inauguration singer, described him as a genuine and innovative leader.
A Mentor and Advocate for Students
Dr. Sobayejo’s approach to student success is exemplified by his interaction with Arijuna Samordziz, a senior business administration student. When Samordziz proposed taking a 28-credit course load in one semester, Dr. Sobayejo initially rejected the idea twice.
However, he eventually agreed under the condition that she meet with him regularly for mentorship. This decision reflects his philosophy of meeting students’ academic needs while ensuring proper support for their success.
Looking Forward
As SUNY Poly’s president, Dr. Winston Oluwole Sobayejo continues to embody the belief that a lifetime of dedication to scholarship can lead to amazing things. His journey from a questioning PhD student to a leader in academia and research serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, engineers, and leaders. With his unique blend of academic excellence,
innovative thinking, and commitment to student success, Dr. Sobayejo is poised to lead SUNY Poly into a future of groundbreaking achievements and community impact.
A Beacon of Inspiration for the Local Community
As a resident of the Mohawk Valley, I take immense pride in having Dr. Winston Oluwole Sobayejo at the helm of SUNY Poly. His achievements in academia and leadership resonate deeply with the values of perseverance, innovation, and community engagement that are so vital to our region. Dr. Sobayejo stands as a powerful role model for students, educators, and residents alike, showing us what is possible when one dedicates themselves to a vision of excellence and service. His commitment to advancing education and technology in our local area elevates not only the institution but also the entire community. With Dr. Sobayejo leading SUNY Poly, the future of the Mohawk Valley looks brighter than ever, and we are fortunate to witness his lasting impact on generations to come.
