On August 21, 2024, Robert S. Prezant, PhD, Farmingdale State College (FSC) incoming president, hosted the College’s 2024 Convocation in the Campus Center Ballroom.  

The annual fall startup ceremony marked President Prezant’s first College address since his appointment by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees to serve as the 10th president of the College. Attended by members of the FSC College Council and nearly 400 members of FSC's faculty and staff, the morning event acknowledged more than 50 faculty and staff promotions, and more than 130 new faculty and staff members. 

“I am honored to now be serving as your college president at this really wonderful institution,” opened President Prezant, who was greeted with excitement and applause. “It is my pleasure to welcome you back to campus, as we begin this academic year together.” 

President Prezant joked he had considered giving a long speech on “the state of education in the world,” to which he received chuckles around the room. He instead offered “a little about my past and a little bit of a discussion about where we’re headed as a campus, as an institution, and how we’re going to do it together and collaboratively.” 

He shared warm details of his family and his childhood growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, where he first explored his passion for biology. 

“As a young child, I spent most of my time in Alley Pond Park, specifically at Pea Pond, where I was determined to collect two specimens of every species that lived there,” he said. “I literally brought all of these critters to my parents’ very tiny garage. This garage was so small if you pulled the car in you couldn't get out of the car. I filled that garage with aquaria, buckets, and jars of all kinds.” 

He also shared that while pursuing his bachelor's degree in biology at Adelphi University, he felt the powerful impact of higher education. “I learned how important we--all of us--really are,” he said and detailed one professor who, “changed my life and set me on my career path.” 

“There are no careers more important than those associated with education,” he added. “Whatever position you hold at Farmingdale, you--and I mean every one of you--are essential members of a community making a difference for our students. You are changing their lives.”   

Professionally, President Prezant went on to successfully navigate “through the ranks of faculty and with stints as chair, dean, and most recently provost,” and through “nine moves and 14 different houses” in multiple states, including Mississippi, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. “And now I return to New York and this beautiful campus,” he said. 

“I wanted to join another public regional institution that is aspirational,” he said of his decision to join FSC. “A school where collaboration matters.  A college populated by students, and faculty, and staff that I’ve basically always known.  And a school that is well-positioned to move to the next level.” 

Forward Momentum 

During his address, President Prezant highlighted that FSC is at “a really wonderful moment” with success in enrollment, fundraising, corporate partnerships, and new curriculums.  

“My plan is to spend time in the fall semester learning more about the possibilities of growing new and relevant graduate programs that will expand the degree options leading to a strong educated workforce and the next batch of leaders for Long Island and beyond,” he said.” I’ve already had some conversations about different, or new, approaches to enhance research, scholarship, and creative activities here at Farmingdale, and generating more and larger external grants and contracts, including through corporate partnerships that could bring additional revenue support and opportunities for our students. 

“But, in my experience, the best ideas and the best solutions are going to come from the folks who know the College best, and that is all of you,” he added. 

Looking ahead, President Prezant acknowledged that despite the many challenges facing higher education today, “there is no work that is more rewarding.”  

“I am so excited to join all of you in this next chapter for Farmingdale and all that we will do together collaboratively for our students and the future,” he concluded. “We’ve got work to do. Let’s get busy.” 

Honors and Awards  

As a part of Convocation 2024, President Prezant announced the recipients of several recent honors, including this year’s President Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awards: Nutrition Science & Health Promotion Associate Professor Christine Freaney, PhD, and Arianna Rivera, '25, a business management major and legal studies minor; and SUNY Chancellor Awards for Excellence: Annetta Frank, Dr. David Byrne, Michelle Tuchinsky, Diane Kazanecki Kempter, Lauren Bazhdari, Danielle Apfelbaum, and Dr. Angela Jones. 

Additionally, President Prezant revealed the 2024 President's Commendation & Recognition for Excellence in Service (CARES) Award winners: Geraldo Vasquez, PhD, Traci Dilliard-Nolan, and Lukas Miedreich. 

“Dr. Vasquez shows an exceptional dedication to learning and student success both within and outside the classroom,” President Prezant said of Vasquez, assistant professor of accounting in the School of Business. “One student shared, he is very supportive and always ready to help others.” 

“Traci truly cares about every member of her team and provides support to make them more comfortable and successful at their jobs,” he said of Dilliard-Nolan, administrative assistant in the Office for Marketing and Communications. “Traci is someone who is always looking out for everyone else. We're very grateful to have Traci at Farmingdale and on our team.” 

“Lukas is doing some of the most important work any college campus can provide for students – creating a safe space for students to learn about themselves and being able to express themselves,” he added of Miedreich, director of Student Activities in the Office for Student Engagement. “Lukas’ kind heart, cheerful presence, and natural caring nature make the FSC community a better place.” 

“This variety of important awards recognizes just how good our team is here at FSC,” said President Prezant. 

View more photos from Convocation 2024 on our Flickr Gallery.

---