D’Alleva’s Appointment Signals Strategic Growth for Binghamton University

New President Brings Vision for Student Success and Global Impact

Anne D’Alleva has been named the next president of Binghamton University, following formal approval by the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees on 19 August 2025. Currently serving as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Connecticut (UConn), she is expected to begin her tenure at Binghamton on 1 November 2025, bringing with her a distinguished record of academic leadership, strategic vision, and institutional advancement.

In her remarks, D’Alleva expressed that she was honoured to take on the position and to join the SUNY system. She acknowledged Binghamton’s strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, and emphasised her eagerness to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. She outlined her priorities as strengthening research, broadening opportunities for students, deepening alumni engagement, and enhancing the university’s impact at the state, national, and global levels. Her leadership at UConn has been marked by a steadfast commitment to student success, multidisciplinary collaboration, and institutional growth. She oversaw initiatives to expand work in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, build partnerships with tribal nations, and increase academic offerings across UConn’s four regional campuses. Furthermore, she led the university’s academic enterprise through strategic planning, budget management, faculty development, and curriculum innovation.

Reflecting on her time at UConn, D’Alleva described the experience as deeply rewarding. She affirmed her intention to carry forward the values of excellence, collaboration, inclusion, and service that had shaped her leadership. She also expressed gratitude to Chancellor John King, Board of Trustees Chair Merryl Tisch, Binghamton University Council Chair Kathryn Madigan, and the Presidential Search Committee for their trust, noting that she looked forward to guiding the next chapter of Binghamton’s growth. D’Alleva is the first woman to serve as provost at UConn. Before that, she served as dean of the School of Fine Arts from 2015 and had first joined the faculty in 1999 with a joint appointment in Art History and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She earned her undergraduate degree in Art History at Harvard University, followed by a master’s, a doctorate, and a graduate certificate in feminist theory from Columbia University.

Her appointment was the result of a comprehensive process led by the Binghamton University Council and a 21-member Presidential Search Committee, which included faculty, students, alumni, the University Foundation, presidents of other SUNY institutions, and a liaison from the Chancellor’s Office. The committee incorporated feedback from the wider university community before forwarding its recommendations to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees. Kathryn Grant Madigan, chair of both the University Council and the Presidential Search Committee, welcomed the appointment by noting that D’Alleva’s experience, vision, and warmth were expected to help her build on the achievements of outgoing president Harvey Stenger and lead Binghamton to new levels of academic excellence and prominence.

President Harvey Stenger extended his congratulations, observing that D’Alleva was recognised as a multidisciplinary collaborator, a leader in expanding and enhancing facilities at Connecticut, and an administrator committed to innovative solutions that supported student success. He expressed confidence in her ability to guide the university’s continued progress and wished her well in her new role. At the University of Connecticut, D’Alleva made student success a central priority. She introduced the position of vice provost for student success, reorganised cultural centres and offices, including the Dean of Students, the Centre for Students with Disabilities, and Student Activities, and ensured closer alignment between these services and academic programmes. She also launched a partnership with a food share programme to establish pantries across all seven UConn campuses.

Faculty Senate co-chairs Julien Panetier and Laura Hawkes described her arrival as a moment that represented both continuity and fresh opportunities. They stressed the shared responsibility of advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and shaping leaders, and conveyed their anticipation of working collaboratively with her in the years to come. As dean of the School of Fine Arts at UConn, D’Alleva was credited with achieving a fivefold increase in research funding and with founding the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute, which introduced courses in areas such as entertainment engineering and industrial design. She also created a research cluster in arts and human rights, established a School of Fine Arts Advisory Board, and formed a Recent Alumni Council, thereby strengthening ties between faculty, students, and graduates.

Foundation Board Chair Stuart Koenig expressed appreciation to the University Council, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for their role in the presidential search. On behalf of the Foundation Board, he extended a warm welcome to D’Alleva and conveyed his anticipation of working with her to further elevate Binghamton University. D’Alleva’s academic background includes postdoctoral fellowships at the Australian National University and the Getty Foundation, along with research funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the College Art Association. Her scholarly work comprises widely translated books, including Fundamentals of Art History (3rd ed., 2021) and Methods and Theories of Art History (3rd ed., 2021).

University Council Student Representative Irene Cui described her appointment as an exciting new chapter for Binghamton. She noted that D’Alleva’s vision, energy, and dedication had stood out during the search process and remarked that students looked forward to the inspiration and momentum her leadership was expected to bring. In addition, D’Alleva remains actively engaged with professional bodies such as the American Association of Colleges and Universities, the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and the College Art Association of America. She also participates in leadership development programmes offered by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo observed that Binghamton University had risen to the ranks of America’s top public ivies under President Harvey Stenger’s leadership. She expressed eagerness to work with the incoming president and noted that there was shared excitement about the institution’s future. New York State Senator Lea Webb extended her gratitude to President Stenger for his years of dedicated and visionary service, stressing that his commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement had left a lasting legacy. She voiced her full support for the new president, expressing confidence that this leadership would continue to strengthen Binghamton’s foundation and expand its positive impact on both the community and the state for generations to come.

Professional Staff Senate Chair Andre L. Mathis remarked that the announcement came at a particularly fitting time, coinciding with the energy on campus as students moved in and classes began. He compared the moment to the start of a student’s journey, full of optimism and possibilities. He added that the university was confident in Anne D’Alleva’s ability to provide effective leadership, prepare students for an ever-changing world, advocate for faculty, and enhance Binghamton’s global reputation as a premier research institution. He further noted that D’Alleva had consistently demonstrated the skills and qualities required for such a role during the search process and expressed enthusiasm in welcoming her to campus to guide the university’s continued growth and success. D’Alleva’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Binghamton University, ushering in a new era of inclusive leadership, academic ambition, and community impact.

Editor’s Note:

Anne D’Alleva’s appointment as the next president of Binghamton University marks an exciting and promising new chapter for the institution. With a career rooted in academic excellence, student support, and inclusive leadership, she brings a wealth of experience that makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. At the University of Connecticut (UConn), D’Alleva served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, where she led major initiatives to improve student success, expand research in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, and strengthen ties with tribal nations and community partners. She also introduced new academic programmes across regional campuses and helped align student services more closely with learning and wellbeing. Her earlier work as dean of UConn’s School of Fine Arts saw a five-fold increase in research funding and the creation of innovative programmes that combined arts and engineering. She founded the Krenicki Arts and Engineering Institute, launched a research cluster in arts and human rights, and built strong alumni networks that kept graduates connected and engaged.

D’Alleva’s leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking. She listens carefully, values diverse perspectives, and works to build strong relationships across campus and beyond. Her background in art history and gender studies, combined with her experience in academic planning and student support, gives her a unique ability to lead with both vision and empathy. As Binghamton’s new president, she is expected to focus on expanding research, creating more opportunities for students, strengthening alumni engagement, and increasing the university’s impact locally and globally. Her track record shows she can bring fresh energy, thoughtful innovation, and a deep commitment to excellence.

According to Skoobuzz, Anne D'Alleva's appointment heralds a promising future for Binghamton University. She is a proven leader who fosters communities, advocates for students, and champions education's transformative power.