Office of the President

We are pleased to announce the following SUNY Niagara faculty members on their recent promotions and tenure:

Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Raymond Boucher; Granted Early Tenure; Instructor to Assistant Professor

Pamela Lange; Assistant to Associate Professor

Marissa Pytlak-Surdyke; Assistant to Associate Professor

Christina Taylor; Assistant to Associate Professor

Business and STEM

Melissa Moore; Granted Early Tenure

Lindsay Rose; Associate to Professor

Hospitality, Baking and Culinary Arts

Seana Sullivan; Granted Early Tenure

Nursing, Physical and Allied Health

Lindsey Bax; Granted Tenure; Instructor to Assistant Professor

Michele Burke; Granted Tenure; Instructor to Assistant Professor

Henrietta G. Lewis Library

Andrew Aquino; Granted Tenure; Instructor to Assistant Professor

Please join us in congratulating these exceptionally talented faculty for the standard of academic excellence they continue to set each day.

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Maher Ghalayini has been selected as the new Vice President of Academic Affairs at SUNY Niagara. Dr. Ghalayini will officially join our team on March 3, 2025.

Dr. Ghalayini currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Academics at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, where he leads the academic division and oversees the development and execution of the institution’s academic strategy. His proven leadership and innovative vision have significantly contributed to student success, faculty development, and the creation of high-quality, relevant academic programs. Dr. Ghalayini brings a wealth of experience to this role, with over 18 years of administrative leadership and more than 20 years of teaching in higher education. His impressive academic background includes a Doctorate in International Higher Education Administration, a Master of Laws in Business Law, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

Dr. Ghalayini’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering equity, inclusion, innovation, and excellence within academic institutions. He is committed to creating supportive and inclusive environments that prioritize student success and faculty development. Throughout his career, he has championed initiatives to enhance accessibility, program relevance, and community engagement, ensuring educational institutions remain dynamic and impactful. As SUNY Niagara continues to strive for excellence, Dr. Ghalayini’s vision, experience, and commitment to quality education will undoubtedly propel us forward.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Ghalayini as he steps into this vital leadership role.

With appreciation,

Lloyd

SUNY Niagara Family,

I’m sitting here in my office on this chilly eve of Christmas Eve thinking of how blessed I am to be in a position where I can send words to wish each of you a happy holiday season. What more could I ask for!
 
When I was living in Massachusetts, I would take a Bikram yoga class at least four days per week.  Each time I was there, I’d ask this guy (Ray) how he was doing.  His response always was, “Living the dream…living the dream.”  I’d respond with, “well I hope that dream is not a nightmare.”  I thought of Ray as I sit here counting my blessings and thinking about how I have a dream job:  one where I get to see the children from the childcare center seemingly catching falling snow on their tongues as their parents are begging them to “come on”…one where I look across the parking lot and see the recruits for the police academy running in a single file line across the parking lot…one where I hear stories of a spouse baking 1500 cookies to share with all of his coworkers or another spouse of a faculty member creating works of art in the form of lemon, almond, and gingerbread cookies…one where we can connect not merely as supervisor and “subordinate” but as true colleagues in support of our students.  I get to experience relationship-building at its best! I get to experience continued growth because of my interactions with each of you!
Barb Walck shared a “Holiday To Do List” that was created over 10 years ago by a social media creator named Troy Stavros.  The list is in the form of a video on Youtube.  The original list read as follows:

HOLIDAY TO DO LIST
                             BUY PRESENTS
                             WRAP GIFTS
                             SEND CARDS
                             SHOP FOR FOOD
                             MAKE COOKIES
                             HANG THE LIGHTS
             
Troy then modified the list to read as follows:
 
HOLIDAY LOVE LIST
                             BE PRESENT
                             WRAP SOMEONE IN YOUR ARMS
                             SEND PRAYERS
                             DONATE FOOD
                             MAKE TIME
                             BE THE LIGHT

My hope is that in this season of giving you continue to recognize all that is important.  Each of you have given the greatest gift to SUNY Niagara that you could possibly give:  YOURSELF…your time and talents.  Thank you.
 
I’ll end by sharing the image of the College’s holiday card.  I wanted this year’s card to be designed by a student.  Thanks to the leadership of professors Barbara Buckman and James Goodrich, we had over 20 submissions from students.  The theme I selected was “Hope.”  Joseph Fantrazzo, a fine arts major developed a card that truly spoke to who we are as a college.  My hope is that you enjoy the design as much as you do.

With appreciation,

Lloyd

On this eve of Thanksgiving, I’ve had quite a bit of time to reflect on the many things for which I’m thankful.  My husband David and I just took the 14 ½ hour drive to Mississippi, along with our two dogs and cat, to celebrate the holiday with family.  As I drove along the highways, I thought of how this has been a year of transition and transformation for both me and the college.  And for all that has happened over the year, I give THANKS.  I am thankful for each of you.

I often will find a quote or poem that I’ll take a screenshot of.  One such poem, by an unknown author, is worthy of sharing today.

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

May this holiday season be fill will peace, joy, and a renewed sense of appreciation. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Lloyd

07/17/2024

I begin this week by saying thanks to each of you for the feedback you’ve been giving to my communications, both in person and in writing. Your comments have been uplifting.

A week or so ago, I ran into an individual that had a tattoo on her arm, which I commented on. I stated that I’m always fascinated by tattoos and the stories behind them. My thinking is that most individuals who embellish their skin with these permanent pieces of art find meaning in them. It reminded me of a story I’ve written about quite a few times. So, I guess today is the day to share the story of “the tattoo that inspired me.”

I was Dean of Students at Coastal Carolina University from 2004 through 2008, and during that time, I met quite a few students one-on-one, either for good reasons or for disciplinary reasons. I oversaw and had responsibility for student government and the student activities board, among other responsibilities. One day during 2005, I was meeting with this student from the activities board — I’ll call him Paul. I noticed that Paul had writing around his wrist just below his watchband. I immediately loved the cursive writing and asked the story behind the tattoo. Paul relayed a story that had such an impact on me that I think of him and the story on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, Paul struggled with mental health issues. He had been in and out of treatment a number of times and had attempted to harm himself five times at that point. He told me that the cursive writing around his wrist read “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.” He told me that he needed something to remind himself of how important and beautiful he is, so he got the tattoo. Each time he found himself in a dark place, he now looks at his wrist to remind him that life is beautiful, that the world around him is beautiful, and that on a daily basis, we should seek to find the beauty in the things that surround us.

Now here I was, as a professional, listening to this student with tears streaming down my face.

Paul’s tattoo inspired me to always seek the beauty in life, to wake up with a desire to inspire others, and the thirst to end my day having recognized what my purpose had been for that particular day.

My hope for you is that you find your inspiration. SUNY Niagara is beautiful beyond any story we can tell, and I hope each of you are afforded the opportunity to see it in ways that I, as the new person, am seeing it daily.

Feel free to share your beautiful stories with me.

With appreciation,

Lloyd

07/10/2024

I am sitting in Saratoga Springs at the president’s retreat. I thought now is a great time to reflect upon my first week on the job, and tell you how exciting this week has been.

This will be the kickoff of my written communication to you. Know that in each communication, it may be about things that are happening at the college or at SUNY System; things that I just personally want to share about myself (it’s important to me that you know who your president is so that we build a strong, trusting relationship), or a thought-provoking question that allows you to respond with your thoughts and ideas. Who knows …. it’s about staying in touch with you.

I could not have asked for a warmer reception by the folks I have encountered during my first five days on the job. I have had the opportunity to meet individually with each member of the executive team. I have met with Senator Ortt and assembly members Marinello and Norris. I had the opportunity to meet with the county manager and members of the county legislature. I have also met with the director of development, as well as the executive director of the College Association. I have been BUSY. I have floated around to some offices, with more to come. Know that if I have not visited your office yet, I will. Please be patient as I make my rounds.

My hope is to continue to create an environment where each of us feels recognized and each of us understands the value we bring to this great college. I firmly believe that the college isn’t the buildings -it’s the people … it’s you.

With appreciation, Lloyd

07/01/2024

Wow!!! What else can I say to express how excited I am to be selected as the eighth president of SUNY Niagara? am honored. Each member of the SUNY Niagara family was unbelievably hospitable during the interview process and the time after the selection announcement. Each member expressed nothing but love for the institution. It is abundantly clear to me t hat there is a deep love for SUNY Niagara, and I’m excited to become a part of the fami ly. I cannot thank the board enough for their approval and support during the process.

My calendar is already being checkered with meetings. I will continue to ask for specific meetings to be scheduled so that I can gain a greater understanding of this great institution.

I have so much to learn, so I ask for your patience as I learn the current operations and ask for your support as we work to continually improve our institution.

I often think of the first assignment that I have given to each class I’ve taught: students were required to write a two-page paper entitled “This is Who I Am.” In writing this, I hope to convey my values, skills, and experiences which have shaped me as a person and prepared me for the presidency at your college. This is who I am.

My early years were in Mississippi. Approximately 9½ months after my birth, my father died as a result of an accident. His death left my mother with two boys under the age of three. The family immediately became the recipients of government assistance. Although my mother had a two-year college degree in home economics, she had not worked outside the home and felt that receiving assistance until we were old enough to be home alone would be the best decision for the family. Even with this financial position, my mother always told my brother and me that we could never allow our situation to determine where we ended up in life. We were taught to always strive to be one of the best at anything we attempted. My formal education began as a first grader in Houston, Mississippi. Though many had the opportunity to attend kindergarten, my first foray with school was first grade. I vividly remember crying my first day because other students knew how to write their alphabet and I didn’t. Because I was a fast learner, I soon caught up with the rest of my class and excelled. I always strove to be the best and ended up graduating from high school with a grade point average that placed me at number three in a class of approximately 150 students. I knew upon graduation that my mom could not afford to send me to college, but both my brother and I knew our options: college or work. Both of us chose college. At the time, I was offered full scholarships to three four-year colleges in Mississippi, but I declined those. I knew that I wanted to major in architecture, but neither of the three institutions offered the degree. Because I could not figure out which other institution to attend, I opted to attend Itawamba Community College (ICC), a two-year college with campuses in Fulton and Tupelo, Mississippi. My tenure at ICC was exceptional, not because of the classes but because of the out-of-class activities and the friendships I developed. Because of what I considered to be a poor GPA my first semester (3.0), I switched my major to accounting. This switch was not because I thought accounting was easy but because I thought it was easier to capitalize on my strengths in mathematics, not realizing that accounting requires much more than just being “good at math.” I excelled and brought my graduating GPA up to a 3.67 in the remaining three semesters. I then transferred to The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), the place where I would eventually complete my undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Besides my family life, it was my time at Ole Miss that had the most impact on who I am as a leader.I am sitting in Saratoga Springs at the president’s retreat. I thought now is a great time to reflect upon my first week on the job, and tell you how exciting this week has been. This will be the kickoff of my written communication to you. Know that in each communication, it may be about things that are happening at the college or at SUNY System; things that I just personally want to share about myself (it’s important to me that you know who your president is so that we build a strong, trusting relationship), or a thought-provoking question that allows you to respond with your thoughts and ideas. Who knows …. it’s about staying in touch with you. I could not have asked for a warmer reception by the folks I have encountered during my first five days on the job. I have had the opportunity to meet individually with each member of the executive team. I have met with Senator Ortt and assembly members Marinello and Norris. I had the opportunity to meet with the county manager and members of the county legislature. I have also met with the director of development, as well as the executive director of the College Association. I have been BUSY. I have floated around to some offices, with more to come. Know that if I have not visited your office yet, I will. Please be patient as I make my rounds.

My hope is to continue to create an environment where each of us feels recognized and each of us understands the value we bring to this great college. I firmly believe that the college isn’t the buildings -it’s the people … it’s you.

With appreciation, Lloyd