SUNY Poly 2024-2025 Highlights

Mission | Vision | Values

Our Mission

SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a welcoming, inclusive place where all students, faculty, and staff are inspired by a distinctive STEAM education and social experience that prepares our graduates for the 21st century workforce and beyond. SUNY Poly applies science, technology, and innovation throughout its curriculum and is deeply committed to offering solutions to society’s grand challenges and improving the health and well-being of communities in the Mohawk Valley and around the globe.

Our Vision

SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a premier research-intensive university that leads the pursuit of knowledge and innovative applications through interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration to drive economic, humanitarian, and technological advancements.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Community
• Empathy
• Gratitude
• Inclusion
• Innovation
• Kindness
• Respect

New Leadership

SUNY Poly Promotes Dr. Michael Carpenter to Vice President for Research

Dr. Michael Carpenter was named Vice President for Research last fall, where he continues to serve on the President’s Cabinet. Dr. Carpenter previously served as Associate Provost for Research and Interim Dean of the College of Engineering.

As VP for Research, Dr. Carpenter leads the implementation of forward-thinking initiatives that align with SUNY Poly’s vision and catalyze growth in research funding, output, and innovation. This includes enabling and empowering faculty to leverage opportunities for Federal, State, and privately sponsored grants and contracts; proactively engaging university stakeholders to advance SUNY Poly’s mission; promote external funding and investment; and build scholarship and endowment support for the institution’s initiatives. He will also play a key role in the establishment of infrastructure to stimulate and support faculty research, and oversee the enhancement of cutting-edge research facilities and infrastructure.

Susan Head Named Vice President of Research Finance and Business Administration

Over the past year, SUNY Poly has experienced significant growth in its research and scholarly activities, highlighted by the formation of 14 research centers that are serving as hubs of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As SUNY Poly continues its strategic objective to grow as a research enterprise, secure large grants and additional funding streams, and establish strategic alliances with our partners in industry, government, academia and civil society, the university needed to support this advancement by expanding our expertise in the corresponding research finance/resource management areas of the university.

As a result, Susan Head was named Vice President of Research Finance and Business Administration in April, reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Susan joined a growing Office of Research team that has recently welcomed a Grant Writer (Sabrina Doré) and Administrative Assistant (Nicolette Lamascola) — all of whom will be working closely with our Vice President for Research, Mike Carpenter.

Dr. Carlie Phipps Appointed Associate Provost for Academic Affairs

Dr. Carlie Phipps was named Associate Provost for Academic Affairs in July. In this role, she oversees the development of new programs and the revision of existing ones, while also advancing the creation and offering of microcredentials. She leads initiatives that support faculty teaching and professional development, and she works through the shared governance process to establish policies for academic affairs. Her responsibilities further include guiding assessment efforts and ensuring the accreditation and re-accreditation of academic programs. In addition, she champions projects designed to improve educational outcomes through research and targeted interventions.

Dr. Phipps has been a dedicated member of the SUNY Poly faculty since 2001, serving as Chair of the Department of Biology & Chemistry from 2014 to 2022 and as campus senator to the SUNY University Faculty Senate from 2015 to 2019. A 2016 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, she has taken on leadership roles in numerous initiatives at both the campus and system levels. Most recently, she has served as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since December 2022, where she provided collaborative leadership and played a central role in coordinating SUNY Poly’s successful Middle States review.

Dr. Babak Elahi Selected as SUNY Poly’s new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) was excited to announce that Dr. Babak Elahi was chosen as the university’s Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences back in July. A scholar of American literature and seasoned academic leader, Dr. Elahi brings an impressive track record of integrating liberal arts education into STEM-focused institutions.

Dr. Elahi most recently served as Dean of the College of Sciences and Liberal Arts at Kettering University. He has also held leadership positions at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), including Associate Dean and Head of Liberal Arts. His academic and administrative experience reflects a deep commitment to fostering interdisciplinary education, an ideal that resonates strongly with SUNY Poly’s mission.

Dr. Elahi earned his Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of Rochester and has taught courses spanning literature, media studies, communication, ethics, and leadership. He is the author of The Fabric of American Literary Realism and has published widely on topics ranging from American realism to Iranian diaspora media and storytelling.

SUNY Poly Announces Dr. Abdullah Eroglu as new Dean of the College of Engineering

SUNY Poly welcomed Dr. Abdullah Eroglu as the university’s new Dean of the College of Engineering last fall. Dr. Eroglu, a distinguished academic leader and researcher, brings a wealth of experience in engineering education, research, and industry collaboration to SUNY Poly. Dr. Eroglu came to SUNY Poly from UMass Boston, where he was the Department of Engineering Chair. In that role, Dr. Eroglu led the development of new academic programs, including online programs and certificates, and initiated strategic industry partnerships resulting in successful fundraising events that benefited both his departments and the College. Since 2018, he has also served as an ABET Program Evaluator for Engineering programs. Also, shortly after joining SUNY Poly, he founded the Applied Electromagnetics and Radio Frequency Circuits (AE&RFC) Research Center.

Dr. Eroglu is a prolific researcher with more than 175 journal and conference papers, six books, and five patents. He has secured over $23 million in extramural funding as PI and co-PI from federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and National Science Foundation as well as from industry. His research expertise includes RF/Microwave/THz Circuit Design, RF Amplifiers and topologies, RF Metrology, anisotropic and gyrotropic materials, and metamaterial devices and sensors. Dr. Eroglu serves on the editorial boards of several journals and has received numerous awards for his research accomplishments.

On the Rise: Rankings

SUNY Poly Recognized Among Top 10 Public Schools in New York and a Best Value Institution in 2025 U.S. News & World Rankings

In U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, SUNY Poly once again achieved outstanding recognition across multiple categories. The university ranked in the top 10 among New York State public schools in the “Top Public Schools Regional Universities-North” category and climbed 40 spots into the top 30 for “Best Value Schools” in the same region. SUNY Poly also maintained its position in the top 30 for “Top Performers on Social Mobility.”

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, SUNY Poly graduates make 20 percent more than the national median salary for those who attended a four-year college, while owing less than half the national median student debt.

For the ninth consecutive year, SUNY Poly earned a top 10 “Best Colleges for Veterans Regional Universities-North” ranking, which is significant given the university’s close proximity to both the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, and the U.S. Army’s Fort Drum military reservation. SUNY Poly was also ranked No. 13 in the “Top Public Schools” category and are in the top 35 overall in Regional Universities-North.

SUNY Poly Earns National Recognition in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges in America Rankings

SUNY Polytechnic Institute was named one of Money’s Best Colleges in America for 2025, earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. The rankings evaluate colleges based on three key pillars: educational quality, affordability, and student outcomes. SUNY Poly’s high rating underscores the exceptional value it provides—not only in terms of cost, but in the strength of its academic programs and the success of its graduates. The recognition reflects SUNY Poly’s continued commitment to delivering a high-quality education and meaningful career pathways for students across New York and beyond.

SUNY Poly’s College of Health Sciences Continues to Earn Top Rankings

SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s College of Health Sciences has once again been recognized for academic excellence and program quality. According to RegisteredNursing.org, SUNY Poly ranks second among the top RN to BS programs in New York State, underscoring the strength and accessibility of our undergraduate nursing offerings. Additionally, SUNY Poly’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, which include both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Education tracks, were recently also ranked second in the state by RegisteredNursing.org.

SUNY Poly’s Data Science and Analytics Program Recognized Nationally for Affordability

SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (MS DSA) program has been ranked among the most affordable Data Science master’s programs in the United States by TechGuide. This national recognition highlights the program’s exceptional blend of academic excellence and affordability. Designed to prepare students for careers in a range of industries, SUNY Poly’s MS DSA program emphasizes the ethical collection and analysis of complex, multi-modal data. Students gain expertise in building analytics models, extracting knowledge from data, and communicating their findings effectively to support data-driven decision-making. The program offers flexible hybrid learning opportunities, with a fully online completion path available based on selected specialization courses.

Faculty, Students + Staff Excellence Continues

Four SUNY Poly Faculty and Students Receive SUNY’s Highest Honor — Recognized with 2025 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

SUNY Poly proudly announced two members of its faculty and staff and two students received Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence from the State University of New York in 2025. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishments and personal dedication of its instructional faculty and professional staff across its campuses. SUNY Poly’s Chancellor’s Award recipients include:

• Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence: Lucas Nowlan and Ryan Primus
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service: Brittany Moraweic
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Lauren Endres

SUNY Poly Celebrates 764 Graduates During 50th Commencement Ceremonies

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) celebrated the achievements of 764 graduates during its 50th Commencement ceremonies in May.

A total of 488 students received their bachelor’s degree, and a total of 276 earned a graduate degree or certificate of advanced study. Moreover, the top three undergraduate degrees awarded by number of students were Computer Science, Business Administration, and Mechanical Engineering, while the top three graduate degrees were Family Nurse Practitioner, Computer Science, and Technology Management MBA. Read more

SUNY Poly Students Crowned Grand Champions at 2025 NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge

A team of engineering students from SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) have earned national recognition by winning the coveted Grand Champion title at the 2025 National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge. The competition, held April 9–11 at IMI plc in Rockford, Illinois, brought together top undergraduate teams from across the country to showcase innovative applications of hydraulic technology in vehicle design.

Marking only their second time participating in the event, SUNY Poly’s team returned with a mission, improve on their impressive third-place finish from 2024. Their efforts culminated in a commanding performance that earned them top honors in several key categories, including Best Final Presentation, first place in both the Efficiency and Endurance Races, and second place in the Sprint Race. Their exceptional results propelled them to the overall Grand Champion distinction. Read more

Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers: SUNY Poly’s 2025 SURP

This summer, 24 SUNY Poly students took part in the 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), which pairs qualified undergraduates with faculty mentors for hands-on research across a wide range of disciplines—including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, biology, mathematics, physics, psychology, and engineering. Supported by the SUNY Chancellor’s Summer Research Excellence Fund, the SUNY Poly Provost’s Office, state funding, and industry partners, SURP offers students an invaluable opportunity to deepen their expertise, gain new skills, and contribute to real-world problem-solving. This year’s program was coordinated by Dr. Shing Chi Leung and Marye Ianno from SUNY Poly’s College of Arts and Sciences. Read more

Dr. Sekaran Honored at 2025 Women Who Inspire Luncheon

SUNY Poly proudly celebrated its annual Women Who Inspire Luncheon earlier this week, honoring Dr. Aarthi Sekaran, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, as this year’s recipient. A trailblazer in her field, Dr. Sekaran was recognized for her dedication in her field and research, as well as her commitment to student mentorship, and leadership across campus. The Women Who Inspire initiative began in 2015 to celebrate the extraordinary work of women across SUNY Poly whose contributions were too often overlooked. Read more

SUNY Poly Announces Winners of NYBPC’s 2025 Mohawk Valley Regional

SUNY Poly proudly hosted the Mohawk Valley Regional Competition of the New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) in April, bringing together the region’s most innovative student entrepreneurs. Thirty-seven student-led teams from SUNY Poly, Hartwick College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Pratt Munson, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Cobleskill, and Utica University competed for cash prizes and the opportunity to advance to the state finals in Troy.

The $2,000 grand prize was awarded to Heads Up (pictured above), a team of SUNY Poly students—Jake Burrows, Randy Carnright, Omar Diop, Tanner Hill, Isaiah Markle, Connor Morris, and Dallas Robinson—for developing a safety device that detects falling limbs, enhancing workplace safety for loggers in the field. Read more

SUNY Poly Student Completes Community Health Nursing Internship in Belize

Last summer, SUNY Poly student Jorge Grant, 21, of West Hempstead, embarked on a two-week journey in tropical Belize, immersing himself in community health nursing practices. Through the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA), Jorge joined a select group of nursing students for a one-of-kind clinical shadowing experience, gaining invaluable experience in global healthcare delivery.

Jorge spent one-week shadowing nurses in hospital facilities in San Ignacio and another week with community health workers in surrounding towns and villages. His clinical placements included public and private hospitals, medical centers, and home visits with community health workers, providing a comprehensive view of Belize’s healthcare system. Read more

SUNY Poly Students Serve as Lead Authors of Wireless Communications Research

SUNY Poly students Michael Wilder and Ryan Primus were lead authors of a research paper titled, “Terahertz Band Demands Ultra-Broadband Waveform: An Analysis of Phase Noise Estimation and Compensation,” accepted for publication at the 2024 workshop on Mobile Radio and Optical Wireless Systems and Experimentation (mROSE).The work is a collaborative effort between the wireless communications group and networking and security team at SUNY Poly, involving SUNY Poly faculty members Dr. Priyangshu Sen and Dr. Arjun Singh. They address a critical issue in terahertz (THz) band communication systems: phase noise (PN). Read more

Sky’s the Limit as SUNY Poly Students Prepare for NASA Project

SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Wildcat Rocketry student club is making its mark as they participate in NASA’s Student Launch project—a nine-month challenge that tasks student teams from across the U.S. to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets with scientific or engineering payloads. This hands-on, research-based engineering activity culminates in a final launch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and attracts participants from universities, colleges, and even K-12 schools nationwide. Read more 

SUNY Poly Student Presents at International Physics Meeting

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) student Seth Walther presented at the American Physical Society (APS) Global Physics Summit on March 17, 2025, in Anaheim, California. His presentation highlighted research findings in astrophysics from a collaborative project with Dr. Shing Chi Leung, Assistant Professor of Physics at SUNY Poly. The APS Global Physics Summit—formed by the merger of the former APS March and April Meetings—is a five-day academic conference covering all areas of physics, from particle physics to cosmology. Thousands of researchers and students from around the world attend the summit each year to present their work. The event also features career fairs and panels designed to engage and support early-career scientists. Read more

Culture of Belonging

At SUNY Poly, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are not simply ideals; they are lived commitments that shape the heart of our campus community. We work to ensure that every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered, while actively breaking down barriers that hinder true inclusion.

Through a dynamic range of programs, initiatives, and events, SUNY Poly fosters a culture where diversity is celebrated, equity is advanced, and belonging is more than a value; it is an everyday experience. The examples below highlight how we bring this mission to life and continue building an environment where all voices are heard and every individual can thrive.

Center for Student Involvement

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) continues to bring students together through programming that fosters connection, civic responsibility, and community care. This year’s efforts included:

• Collaborating with SUNY Civic Engagement Fellows on a series leading up to the Presidential Election.
• Supporting national and local initiatives such as the Oneida County Out of the Darkness Walk and multiple American Red Cross blood drives (106 units collected!).
• Partnering with the AIX Research Center to host events on AI, politics, and civic engagement.
• Strengthening student resources through the ABC Career Clothing Closet and pop-up shops.
• Building community through signature programs like Poly Goes Pink, Commuter Week, the Campus Ruck March, and Safe Sex Awareness Week.
• Launching the “Wildcat Express” trial program, providing safe transportation for students without vehicles.
• Celebrating identity and belonging with events such as the Transgender Day of Visibility and SUNY Poly’s first Lavender Graduation Celebration.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Multicultural Center

EOP and the Multicultural Center have expanded opportunities for students to learn, celebrate, and connect across cultures. This year included:

• Hosting the Multicultural Center Ribbon Cutting, establishing a permanent home for cultural education and celebration.
• Recognizing and celebrating heritage months and cultural identities, including Hispanic Heritage, Filipino-American History, Native American Heritage, Black History, Women’s History, Autism Awareness, and Asian American & Pacific Islander Month.
• Providing engaging programs such as Churros & Coffee, Lotería Bingo, and Multicultural Night.
• Honoring first-generation college students and creating inclusive celebrations like the Interfaith Spring Celebration.
• Building bridges through author spotlights, community meals, and student-led events that highlight diverse voices.

Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Under the leadership of Dr. Mark Montgomery, VP for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and Interim VP for Student Affairs, the DEIB Office has continued to guide SUNY Poly’s vision of equity and belonging. Highlights include:

• Overseeing critical areas such as Title IX/VI, Athletics, Wellness, Accessibility, Res Life, and Student Programs.
• Leading the President’s DEIB Advisory Committee.
• Expanding DEIB training and workshops both on campus and in the community.
• Strengthening student recruitment through feeder school outreach and admissions travel.
• Partnering with Human Resources to embed DEIB into hiring and onboarding processes.
• Planning cornerstone events like the 2025 Equity & Empowerment Symposium.
• Engaging actively with Student Government, employees, and external community organizations to assess belonging and address evolving needs.

Residence Life

Residence Life continues to build community through dynamic, culture-rich events:

• The 3rd Annual Breaking Barriers – “Let’s Keep the Beat” celebrated the history of Black music with performances, dinner, and dancing.
• Women’s Empowerment Night: Reflect. Empower. Shine. offered inspiration through storytelling, creative expression, and shared reflection.
• Collaborations with the Multicultural Center supported heritage celebrations, including Filipino-American History Month, showcasing food, posters, and cultural heritage.

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center has embedded DEIB principles directly into health and well-being initiatives. This year they:

• Created inclusive resources such as the Election Self-Care Guide and International Day of Tolerance materials.
• Expanded access to care through the “Let’s Talk” drop-in therapy pilot in accessible campus spaces.
• Focused on inclusive communication, from updating forms and brochures to adopting NameCoach NameBadges.
• Partnered with the Multicultural Center, Human Resources, and community organizations to increase cultural competence.
• Served as leaders and panelists at the DEIB Symposium, ensuring that mental health and accessibility are central to the conversation.

Alumni Achievements

SUNY Poly Raises Over $785K for New NYSTEC Center for Business Excellence

SUNY Poly received a transformative $500,000 pledge from New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC) to support the establishment of a cutting-edge interdisciplinary business center. In honor of this significant contribution, the new center, set to be housed in Donovan Hall, will be named the NYSTEC Center for Business Excellence. 

The NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence will serve as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary education, integrating cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, business ethics, and financial market innovation. Steve (’06) and Gina (’03) Surace, co-chairs of this campaign that has raised over $785,000 to date, have made the creation of the trading room within the NYSTEC CBE possible through their extraordinary generosity, contributing $100,000 to the effort. Gifts towards the project have also been made by Greg ‘15 & Maryrose ‘05 Raab, the Community Foundation, M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund, Robert Ablett Memorial Fund, Community Investment Fund, Senator James H. Donovan Memorial Fund, Jerome ‘75 & Donna Donovan, First Source Federal Credit Union, and Joseph M. Asselta Charitable Trust.  Read more 

Class of 1975 celebrates 50 years!

SUNY Poly’s origins date back to 1966, when it was founded as the Upper Division College at Herkimer/Rome/Utica and held its first classes in an elementary school. It wasn’t until 1975, however, that they celebrated their first graduates. A special breakfast will be held on Saturday, September 20, during Wildcat Homecoming Weekend. In addition to honoring outstanding alumni, the event will include a Wildcat Induction Ceremony for the Class of 1975—formally welcoming them into the Wildcat family, as the mascot didn’t exist when they first graduated. The meaningful gesture will officially connect these earliest graduates with the Wildcat spirit that has become such a proud part of SUNY Poly’s identity. Read more about the class. 

‘Completing the Circle’ Dr. Terri Grates Day ’94 Returns Home to Lead Herkimer College

Dr. Terri Grates Day ’94 looks back on her time at SUNY Polytechnic Institute with gratitude and clarity. A sociology major, she says she never felt like a number on campus. Faculty encouraged her to think deeply about career possibilities at a time when upstate New York faced a harsh recession. That encouragement, combined with her pivotal Capstone Project, a community needs assessment for the City of Utica’s Head Start program, sparked her passion for research and her lifelong commitment to education and service. Read more 

Charles Green ’93: Computer Information Science Forged in Curiosity, Fueled by Innovation

Charles Green’s path to becoming a trailblazing force in cybersecurity began with curiosity, adversity, and a PC Jr. in his grandmother’s living room. A 1993 graduate of SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly), Green is now a founder and CEO of Assured Information Security (AIS), a company that provides critical cyber and information security services, products, and operations to commercial and government customers, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community. Read more 

Antonius Rivera ’02, G’05: Business administration and Master of Business Administration, Technology Management

Antonius “Tony” Rivera ‘02 G’05 has carved a unique and impactful path in both education and business. Originally from New York City, Tony’s journey from SUNY Poly to becoming a passionate school counselor and entrepreneur has been shaped by his diverse experiences and deep commitment to making a difference. In 2022, he founded Fostering Minds LLC, a consulting organization focused on supporting foster youth and their families. His personal experience growing up in the foster care system inspired him to give back to this underserved community. Through his organization, Tony collaborates with local foster care agencies to drive impactful change within the community. He travels, engaging in speaking engagements that raise awareness about foster youth issues and advocate for their needs. Read More 

Stephanie Jones ’19, G’20: Business administration and Master of Business Administration, Technology Management

“SUNY Poly felt like a second family,” she recalls. “The sense of belonging, the passion of the professors, and the close-knit environment really made it home.” 

Staff and faculty like Melissa Prest and Benjamin Osenbach made a lasting impact, guiding Stephanie through her academic journey and fueling her aspirations. Her persistence paid off. Stephanie began her career in tech sales, focusing on cybersecurity and networking solutions, before joining Lenovo. Now a Corporate Client Manager at the global tech giant, she manages enterprise accounts across Southern California. At Lenovo, Stephanie thrives on helping clients achieve their IT goals while navigating cutting-edge advancements in AI. Read More 

Sean Smith ‘23: Computer Information Science

Sean is already making waves in the tech world with the launch of his own startup, Triarii AI LLC. The company has a mission of developing large language models for use by cybersecurity professionals.  Sean’s startup gained significant traction through the Hustle Defense Accelerator. Following weeks of mentorship, members of the accelerator’s cohort had the opportunity to compete against one another, presenting to a panel of judges from the local community, government and private sector. Sean was selected as one of the winners, securing $25,000 towards Triarii AI LLC. Reflecting on the experience, he credits not just the financial support but also the invaluable mentorship and guidance from industry leaders at the Griffiss Institute. Read More 

Allison Beyer ’09 — From Psychology to Production: Telling Stories Through Light and Lens

Growing up in the small town of St. Johnsville, about 50 minutes east of Utica, Allison Beyer didn’t imagine her path would lead to running a creative agency or filming content for NBC. “In high school, I hadn’t really thought about where I would go to college,” she admits. “I applied to Herkimer [College] just to practice filling out applications.” But that first step would lead to a winding and meaningful journey, academically, professionally, and personally. Read more

Michael Marrone ’14 – Turning Grit into Greatness

When Michael Marrone ‘14 looks back at his time at SUNY Poly, he sees more than just a degree in Communication and Information Design. He also sees the launchpad for a fulfilling career defined by creativity, perseverance, and purpose. A native of the Mohawk Valley, Michael chose SUNY Poly over several other colleges, initially due to cost, flexibility, and proximity to home. Read more 

Infrastructure Improvements

The Office of Facilities at SUNY Polytechnic Institute is responsible for the protection, operation, preservation, maintenance, and construction for over 910,000 square feet of building area and nearly 500 acres of landscape, athletic facilities, roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots. This is achieved with a dedicated staff of more than 55 employees. Each year, the Facilities department responds to thousands of work orders requested by campus residents, faculty, and staff for repairs and installations. They also provide for the set up and take down of equipment for campus events, deliver the campus mail, and distribute packages to students and staff.

The Facilities Department is also responsible for major and minor construction projects on the SUNY Poly campus, highlighted below, with current projects totaling more than $77M. The department plans, designs, and constructs capital projects to maintain and preserve the physical plant, address environmental concerns, and meet the changing pedagogies of higher education.

Capital Projects

Campus Center Renovations ($45 million)

This project began in February of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in July of 2026.

This project will provide renovations and conversion of an old pool area to create classroom space. A new centrally located residential life suite, renovated athletic locker rooms, offices, and meeting spaces for coaches and athletes are also taking shape. In addition, a renovated lobby area will create a welcoming atmosphere for students and visitors, as well as greatly improve circulation and ADA accessibility. The project will reduce carbon emissions with the removal of existing natural gas boilers and installation of geothermal systems for cooling and heating the building. Phase 1 turnover of the gymnasium and locker rooms will be taking place mid-October 2025. Phase 2 is ongoing and is scheduled to be complete in summer 2026.

Replace Dining Hall Flooring ($550,000)

A separate project from the larger renovations is this flooring replacement. This will provide an elastomeric epoxy system to update the worn vinyl sheet flooring in the dining hall. The design for this project is complete and scheduled for construction bid near the end of 2024 and performing work Summer 2026.

Renovate Kunsela Hall C Wing for STEM ($22 million)

This project is currently in the programming phase with construction anticipated to begin in October 2026 The partial interior renovations in Kunsela Hall will update and enhance instructional, laboratory, and support spaces for growing STEM programs at SUNY Polytechnic.

The enhancements, encompassing 56,600 square feet, will promote natural light to interior spaces by utilizing interior storefronts and visually highlighting the laboratory and STEM spaces.

Furthermore, due to the family of the late Francis A. Wilcox; giving the largest donation ever received from a single donor in SUNY Polytechnic’s history it will be possible to include new space for Computer Science, Digital Lab, Interactive Media + Game Design (IMGD) program, as well as a Semiconductor Processing Lab, Communications Lab, Control and Senor Capstone Laboratory spaces. Spaces also include Cyber Range, Lecture Hall, War Room, Drown Room, Autonomous Systems Room, and Cyber Security Classroom/ Lab, Open project lab and club space, Electronic Systems Lab, and Photovoltaic Lab. Additionally provided will be the installation of new floors, ceilings, walls, and high efficiency LED lighting, lab equipment and renovation to the dated restrooms and fire sprinkler system.

Replace Boilers at Donovan and Kunsela Halls ($2.4 million)

This project is currently in the design process with anticipated construction taking place in May of 2026.

Replacement of the existing gas fire steam boilers with a new hot water system ensures the longevity and reliability required. This infrastructure project is the first phase required to transition the buildings to an all-electric water source heat pump heating system.

Replace Domestic Water Heater at Kunsela Hall ($200,000)

Infrastructure upgrades at Kunsela Hall continue with this project which replaces the domestic hot water heater and associated systems. This project is also included in the planned transition to an all-electric water source heat pump system. The design for this project is complete and scheduled for construction spring 2026.

Replace Site Lighting at Kunsela Hall ($550,000)

As the existing pedestrian lighting is in poor condition, this project will replace the exterior lighting around Kunsela Hall as well as the associated parking lot and transitional sidewalks. The design for this project is complete and scheduled for construction Fall 2025.

Replace Exterior Lighting at Mohawk Hall and Hill Top Dr. ($550,000)

As the existing pedestrian lighting is in poor condition, this project will replace the exterior lighting around Mohawk Hall as well as street lighting on Hill Top Drive. This project is in programming phase and is anticipated for construction Spring 2026.

Kunsela Hall Computer Science Server Room Mechanical Upgrades ($250,000)

Additional modifications in Kunsela Hall will provide cooling needed to support the Computer Science server room which includes a new cutting-edge Supercomputer. The design for this project is complete and scheduled for construction bid near the end of 2025.

Replace Generators at Adirondack and Mohawk Halls ($500,000)

Design is complete for this project that will ensure the immediate transfer to emergency power at the Adirondack and Mohawk dormitories during periods of power outages. This is made possible by the replacement of two natural gas fired generators, new automatic transfer switches and the replacement of the primary electrical switch in Adirondack Hall. Work to be performed Summer 2026.

Study Campus-wide Electrical Feeders Condition and Capacity ($270,000)

As the Campus transitions away from the use of fossil fuels its electrical load will increase to keep up with the demand. This project will conduct a comprehensive study of the existing 13.2 kV electrical distribution system including field investigations of the existing electrical service from the main 13.2 kV switchgear, the feeders, duct banks, manholes, building switches and transformers.

This study will identify deficiencies for correction to support future electrical expansion.

Replace Service Building Roof

This project will provide a complete tear-off of existing roofing ballast, membrane, flashings and insulation as well as drain assemblies. Approximately 18,000sf of replacement insulation, roofing system complete with flashing and drain assemblies will be provided. Work is anticipated to take place Spring 2026.

Addition to Donovan Hall for Health Sciences ($64M)

This project will provide an identifiable presence for the College of Health Sciences, a permanent home for the Center for Healthcare Innovation and Humanitarian Engineering. This renovation and expansion project will provide interactive learning environments where students engage in realistic clinical simulations, patient care scenarios, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These spaces are designed to replicate real healthcare settings, from hospital suites to outpatient exam rooms, preparing students to confidently transition into clinical practice. Flexibility and scalability are essential, allowing SUNY Polytechnic to respond to changes in curriculum, accreditation requirements, and healthcare technology. Design will begin Winter 2025.

Replace Turf Field ($1M)

This project will replace the dated existing artificial turf at the multipurpose soccer/ lacrosse field.

This project is currently in programming/ Pre-design phase.

Program Study to Rehabilitate Admin Offices Kunsela Hall A Wing

This project will conduct a study of the existing interior Architecture, HVAC and electrical distribution of these spaces. This study will develop multiple floor plan options and recommendations to better meet the needs of the users; While also conducting code review, recommendations for materials for finishes, identifying HVAC and Electrical modifications and provide a budgetary construction cost for future fit-out. This project kicks off September 2025.