About The State University of New York at Fredonia
Founded in 1826, SUNY Fredonia is one of the jewels of the SUNY system, known for its welcoming atmosphere, outstanding faculty, and beautiful 256-acre campus. Located in the Village of Fredonia and the neighboring City of Dunkirk, with a combined population of around 20,000 people, SUNY Fredonia offers a vibrant community life, and the surrounding area is full of opportunities to visit and explore. Fredonia is conveniently located an hour from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and 2.5 hours from Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
SUNY Fredonia is a comprehensive, public liberal arts university located in Western New York, minutes from Lake Erie and 45 miles southwest of Buffalo. As one of 13 master's institutions within the State University of New York (SUNY), Fredonia enrolls approximately 3,200 students across more than 65 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs spanning the arts, sciences, education, business, and professional disciplines. The university's mission - to educate, challenge, and inspire students to become skilled, connected, creative, and responsible professionals and global citizens - guides all aspects of campus life.
Fredonia is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report. It is home to nationally recognized programs in music, education, and business, and a thriving arts community. As Fredonia approaches its 200th anniversary, it continues to honor its heritage as one of New York's first Normal Schools while reimagining its future through innovative academic planning, experiential learning, and strategic partnerships that prepare students for the world's changing needs.
Fredonia is part of the State University of New York (SUNY), the largest comprehensive university system in the nation with 64 campuses. Led by Chancellor John B. King, Jr. SUNY's collective mission - to provide access, affordability, and excellence - supports Fredonia's commitment to public education. System-wide initiatives such as PRODiG (Promoting Recruitment, Opportunity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Growth) underscore the shared goal of expanding faculty diversity and student opportunity across New York State.
The Role of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The State University of New York at Fredonia seeks a collaborative, strategic, and entrepreneurial academic leader to serve as its next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (PVPAA). This is an extraordinary opportunity to help guide a historic institution as it prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2026-27; a landmark moment marking two centuries of learning, creativity, and community impact. The next Provost will join President Stephen H. Kolison Jr.in advancing Fredonia's 'True Blue Transformation' strategic plan, executing the Academic Master Plan, and driving initiatives that ensure academic excellence, financial sustainability, and student success.
The Provost serves as the university's chief academic officer and a key partner to the President, providing vision, leadership, and oversight for all academic programs, scholarly activity, and student learning.
The ideal candidate will bring a record of creative academic leadership, a deep understanding of higher education's evolving landscape, and a commitment to shared governance, inclusion, and innovation.
The Provost reports directly to President Stephen H. Kolison Jr., who has served since 2020. Dr. Kolison has led SUNY Fredonia through a period of bold transformation focused on institutional renewal, fiscal stability, and academic innovation. Under his leadership, Fredonia launched the 'True Blue Transformation' strategic plan, the Academic Master Plan, a comprehensive Financial Stability Plan, and Bicentennial initiatives to celebrate the university's enduring legacy.
Reporting directly to the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs serves as the chief academic officer of SUNY Fredonia and the leader of the faculty. The Provost provides executive oversight of all academic programs and ensures the highest standards of teaching, learning, and scholarly achievement. As a member of the President's Cabinet, the Provost is a strategic partner and trusted advisor who advances the university's mission, fosters innovation, and promotes shared governance across campus.
Contact and Application Information
Applications should include a cover letter addressing the candidate's qualifications and vision for the role and a current curriculum vitae.
DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Steve Leo and Laurie Casteen. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. Nominations may be submitted here or by emailing the search team at the address above. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $190,000 to $235,000 with a generous benefits package. To learn more about SUNY Fredonia's offerings, visit the Fredonia benefits website.
SUNY Fredonia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The university actively seeks to enhance diversity among its faculty, staff, and students. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.