Farmingdale State names new president

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Farmingdale State College has named Robert Prezant as its next president. Effective Aug. 14, Prezant will serve as the college’s 10^th president, taking the reigns from John Nader, who announced his retirement as Farmingdale State president last year.

At a meeting late Wednesday afternoon, the SUNY Board of Trustees announced the new role for Prezant, who joins Farmingdale State from Southern Connecticut State University where he is provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“I am both humbled and honored to be joining Farmingdale State College as the next president,” Prezant said in a news release.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King, Farmingdale’s College Council and the presidential search committee for entrusting me with this outstanding opportunity,” Prezant said.

“The faculty, staff and students of Farmingdale State clearly stand poised to continue to excel, and to move an already exceptional college to the next level by growing additional exciting and important programs, enhancing external support, finding new corporate partners, and collaborating with the community,” he added. “Farmingdale State College is fully focused on ensuring that students get a preeminent education with an emphasis on experiential opportunities, all to ensure they are fully prepared for tomorrow. It will be my pleasure and privilege to join this outstanding team.”

As provost, Prezant led in strategic planning, served on New England Commission of Higher Education accreditation visitation committees, led a university-wide branding effort, serves as principal investigator on a $3.2 million NSF Alliance for Minority Participation grant, created the Southern Fellows-in-Residence program to help diversify the faculty, helped grow external funding, and has led on revamping the honors college.

As a biologist and administrator, he has served as the lead or co-lead in generating more than $20 million in external funding to support research and academic programs. His administrative efforts have resulted in creation and support of several centers and institutes, new degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, corporate partnerships, development and enhancement of online and on-ground continuing education programs, and several global affiliations.

Prezant previously served as dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Queens College, City University of New York, and chair of the biology department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 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.

“Dr. Prezant has a wealth of experience and a record of achievement in public higher education. He understands the college and is clearly well positioned to build on Farmingdale’s many achievements,” Nader, president of Farmingdale State College, said in a written statement.  “I have no doubt that he will cultivate our growing partnerships with both businesses and philanthropies while advocating for our students and faculty. I congratulate Dr. Prezant on his appointment and look forward to working with him on a smooth transition.”

“Dr. Prezant’s track record of increasing funding to support student success during his career makes him well-suited to assume the presidency at Farmingdale State College,” SUNY Chancellor John King Jr said in a written statement. “I would also like to thank Farmingdale State College President John Nader for his incredible career of service to the SUNY system. From his time as provost at SUNY Delhi, to his tenure serving as president of SUNY’s largest technology focused campus, President Nader has moved FSC forward in a positive direction and I strongly believe Dr. Prezant will build on the strong foundation laid by President Nader.”

Reflecting on Prezant’s appointment, Farmingdale State College Council Chair Patricia Hill Williams, said, “On behalf of the Farmingdale State College Council, I’m both proud and honored to congratulate Robert S. Prezant, PhD on his appointment as the tenth President of this dynamic and thriving institution. After a thorough and exhaustive search, Dr. Prezant emerged as an exceptional choice to lead FSC. The entire Council looks forward to working with Dr. Prezant to build on Farmingdale’s strong foundation, enhance the student experience and foster connections in the College community and beyond.”

Farmingdale State College is the largest college of technology propelled by our highly regarded student-centric programs focused on experiential learning, and continuous improvements to campus facilities, buildings, and grounds. FSC offers four dozen degree programs focusing on emerging, high-demand careers, with graduates ranking in the top 2% nationally in early career earnings, according to the college. More than half of graduates leave the college debt-free, and 82% of graduates are employed six months after graduation or enrolled in graduate school. With degrees in engineering and technology, the health sciences, business, and liberal arts, FSC offers programs as unique and diverse as its student body.