Cabinet

President

Robert S. Prezant, PhD, joined Farmingdale State College as its 10th president on August 14, 2024. Prior to his appointment, he was provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Southern Connecticut State University.   

A prolific scholar and accomplished administrator, President Prezant has been the lead or co-lead in generating over $20 million in external funding to support research and academic programs. His administrative efforts have resulted in the creation and support of several centers and institutes, new degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, corporate partnerships to support student success, development and enhancement of online and on-ground continuing education programs, and several global affiliations.

His previous roles included serving as dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at CUNY’s Queens College, and chair of the Biology Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was granted a University Professorship – a lifetime honorific. President Prezant founded and served as editor-in-chief of the international peer-reviewed journal, The American Malacological Bulletin, and served as editor of Perspectives in Malacology and The Second International Corbicula Symposium. He has recently served as president of the East River Watershed Research Institute.

He holds a PhD in marine biology from the University of Delaware, an MS in biology (marine science) from Northeastern University, and a BA in biology from Adelphi University.

Senior Vice President and Provost
934-420-2003

The Provost is the Chief Academic Officer who is responsible for the academic mission of the College, the Provost oversees all academic units, support services, and operations including: The School Deans, Chief Institutional Research and Effectiveness Officer, Dean of International Education and Programs, Academic Operation Directors, Advisement and Information Center, Tutoring Center, Math Center, Writing Center, Educational Opportunity Center, Office of Distance Learning, Library, and the college Registrar all report to the Provost.

A distinguished scholar, teacher, and leader, Dr. Joseph oversees all academic schools and departments at Farmingdale State College. Dr. Joseph began her academic career at Farmingdale State College in 1991 as a faculty member in the Department of Dental Hygiene and served as Department Chair from 2003-2013.

In addition to her work in health promotion and disease prevention, Dr. Joseph has been actively engaged in accreditation and institutional assessment including service as Farmingdale State College's liaison to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and Commissioner for the American Dental Associations' Commission on Dental Accreditation. She continues to serve as an ADA-CODA site visitor and has led Farmingdale State College's Assessment initiative. Her interest in active learning and innovative pedagogy has led to SUNY recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and Old Dominion University's Alumni Award for Outstanding Educator.

Dr. Joseph earned a Doctoral Degree in Higher Education and Academic Leadership from Columbia University in 1998 and a BS and MS degree in Science from Old Dominion University.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
934-420-2170

The Executive Vice President and CFO is responsible for providing the campus with essential administrative, financial, and operational services through his leadership of over 20 departments as well as College-related organizations such as the Farmingdale State Development Corporation and the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park. Mr. O’Connor also oversees campus-wide student health services as well as the offices of Student Activities and Campus Recreation. He provided oversight to Enrollment Management and the Admissions Office from 2022 to 2024.

Prior to joining FSC in 2017, Mr. O’Connor was the Director of New Ventures at the SUNY Research Foundation where he was the principal contact for campuses seeking strategic direction and support for industry partnerships, venture capital engagement, real estate development, and collaborative research partnerships. He has served on several corporate boards including Downstate Technology Center, Inc., Long Island High Technology Incubator, Inc., the Accelerate New York Seed Fund, as well as BHBP.

Mr. O’Connor earned an MBA from the University at Albany and a BA from Binghamton University.

Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer
934-420-2622

The Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer leads and informs the institution priorities advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and belongingness. The office is responsible for the Disability Services Center, Veterans Services, System-wide DEI initiatives, and Transportation Services. In addition, Dr. Jordan oversees the campus’ relationship with the Long Island Educational Opportunity Center.

Dr. Jordan joined Farmingdale State College with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in holistic student development. Prior to joining Farmingdale State College, Dr. Jordan had served as Assistant Dean for Student Development and Campus Life at CUNY LaGuardia Community College, and Dean of Academic Support Services at Dowling College. His background includes management roles and oversight of multiple non-academic student services departments and educational access programs.

Dr. Jordan holds degrees from Princeton University in psychology and African American studies, and Union Theological Seminary in practical theology. He earned a doctorate in Educational Administration, Leadership and Technology from Dowling College.

Vice President, Development and Alumni Engagement
934-420-2142

The Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement serves as the College's principle fundraiser and Executive Director for the College Foundation, responsible for leading and managing all areas of fundraising development, stewardship and alumni engagement. The Vice President develops and executes a comprehensive portfolio of programs and events, designed to engage the College’s greater campus community of alumni, friends, parents, corporations, and private foundations to support and advance the FSC mission.

With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record for building award-winning programs, Mr. Colson joined the Cabinet at Farmingdale State College in 2020. In this role, he has built a high-performing team and delivered unprecedented growth in the College’s endowment, scholarship support, student emergency funds and unrestricted flexible use dollars for the College. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Long Island Business Development Council (Associate Director) and The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation; and presents regularly at regional and national conferences with CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education), SUNYCUAD (State University of New York Council for University Advancement) and Academic Impressions.

Mr. Colson earned a BA in Speech Communications from St. Joseph's University, NY and an MS in Education from Long Island University.

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer 
934-420-2400

The Chief Marketing and Communications Officer directs integrated communications and brand strategy across all internal and external channels, including marketing and advertising, web content and development, creative design, social media, enrollment materials, and government and media relations.

Ms. Maio joined FSC in 2023 from Stony Brook University, where she served as head of communications and marketing for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, managing the web, content and social media strategies within the Colleges’ nine departments. She was also an instructor and advisor in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors program. Prior to Stony Brook, she developed and managed brand campaigns, media relations and thought leadership programs for industry leaders including Arrow Electronics, Air France and NXP Semiconductor. Her earlier experience includes more than 10 years at public relations agencies, representing major brands such as Delta Air Lines and the SkyTeam Global Airline Alliance, Visa, and Dupont Textiles and Interiors.

Ms. Maio received her MS degree in Technology and Society from Stony Brook University, and a BA in Communication Arts from Marist College.

Vice President for Enrollment Management
934-420-5733

The Vice President of Enrollment Management provides strategic direction for the development and implementation of a data-informed strategic enrollment plans, reflecting higher education trends and campus goals, with particular focus on market analysis and positioning. Mr. Howell oversees the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and Transfer Services.

Mr. Howell joined FSC in 2024 from SUNY Maritime College where he served as Dean of Admissions since 2016. He was responsible for developing and implementing the College’s enrollment plan, overseeing undergraduate and graduate admissions, scholarships, and programs that expand access to higher education for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds. He has a rich background in admissions and enrollment, having held leadership roles at several institutions across the region, including SUNY.

Mr. Howell received an MBA in General Management, a BS in Airway Science Management, and a Post-Masters Certificate in Total Quality Management, all from Dowling College.