Retiring SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley has been appointed interim SUNY chancellor following Jim Malatras’ resignation, the State University of New York Board of Trustees announced Monday.
Stanley has led the lakeside college for the last 25 years. She will begin serving in an interim chancellor role on Jan. 15, 2022.
“SUNY has a long and rich history of providing students the opportunity and access to the highest quality education at our premier colleges and research institutions, and President Stanley is the right educator at the right time to lead this prestigious university system,” said SUNY Board Chairman Dr. Merryl H. Tisch.
“With President Stanley’s decades of leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and her unwavering support for students, she is well-positioned to serve our 64 campuses with a proven record of accomplishments, integrity, and intellect. On behalf of a thankful and proud Board of Trustees, we welcome Deborah as our new interim chancellor for the State University of New York and look forward to working alongside her to build on the greatness of this world-renowned institution.”
Stanley will temporarily replace Malatras, who announced his resignation earlier this month in the wake of controversy stemming from the last batch of testimony into allegations of sexual harassment by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Within that testimony, it was revealed that texts from Malatras to Cuomo’s inner circle made inappropriate and disparaging remarks about former aide Lindsey Boylan, prompting a public apology from Malatras. Those texts led to others coming forward with complaints about Malatras’ management style, as well as calls for his resignation.
“During my tenure at SUNY, I have had the great pleasure of collaborating with exemplary leaders at all levels throughout our system, and it is an incredible honor to continue that work with the SUNY Board of Trustees and our campus presidents,” Stanley said.
“I do not take lightly our responsibility to make sure we are providing a safe and welcoming environment that allows our students to grow academically and provide the foundation to pursue and reach their goals and dreams. During this leadership transition, their success will be my highest priority, and I look forward to leading this great university system to new heights.”
