Looking Ahead With Purpose, Pride and Joy
August 4, 2025
Dear Stony Brook University Community,
Since being announced as Stony Brook’s seventh president, my heart has been filled with absolute joy meeting so many exceptional people across our East, West and Southampton campuses. The warm welcome I have received has been both exhilarating and inspiring! Today is my first official day on campus as president, and I am thrilled to continue my journey of listening and learning that started back in February. It is my honor to join the entire campus community and extended Seawolf family of alumni, donors and partners along with our SUNY colleagues in Albany in embracing Stony Brook’s mission as a preeminent center of learning, discovery and innovation, and its infinite possibilities going forward.
In my conversations with our world-renowned faculty, exceptional staff, inspiring
students, devoted healthcare professionals and valued partners and alumni over the
past six months, it is evident that people love being a part of Stony Brook. And I
can see why. I find our students to be tremendously grateful for the excellent, affordable
education they are receiving and the upward mobility it provides. They feel they belong
here. Members of the Stony Brook community take great pride in their university and
together create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their
full potential. This welcoming spirit and deep sense of purpose are at the heart of
Stony Brook’s culture; they enable our many successes.
Because I am an entrepreneur at heart, I believe the most challenging times present
opportunities for us to be bold, focusing on possibilities rather than constraints.
While higher education is going through a tumultuous period of transformation, I am
optimistic that through these disruptive times, Stony Brook will continue to be a
driver of upward mobility, innovation, economic growth and benefits to our community,
our state, the country and the world.
I’m ready to take the helm of this outstanding university given its tremendous success
to date and our future aspirations to advance our excellence across all dimensions
of research, education, clinical care, innovation and service.
The great state of New York was the home of my grandparents and mom, and today my
children, Daniel and Nicole, live a short train ride away in New York City. As of
this weekend, my husband, Arturo, and I are officially New Yorkers. The presidential
residence at Sunwood is spectacular and, while there’s a lot of unpacking taking place
there and at my Stony Brook office, I feel at home. I can’t wait to get to know our
students, faculty, staff and alumni. I am especially excited to walk alongside the
Class of 2029 this fall as we go through our first year together as Seawolves.
With all of my heart, I am forever grateful to the leadership at SUNY and to the entire
Stony Brook community for giving me the opportunity to be your next president. With
purpose, pride, joy and excitement, I look forward to all that lies ahead. Thank you
for your trust, your partnership, and for welcoming me as the new president of this
extraordinary university.
Andrea Goldsmith
President