Andrea Goldsmith, the president-elect of Stony Brook University, made her first campus visit on March 3. During her visit, she expressed enthusiasm about her new role and shared her vision for the university's future. "I don’t think there’s any limit to what we can achieve," Goldsmith stated.
Goldsmith began her day by attending an Undergraduate Student Government meeting and later participated in the "Kick it with Ric" event alongside Dean of Students Ric McClendon at the UNITI Cultural Center. The event was attended by mascot Wolfie and more than two dozen students. Goldsmith emphasized the importance of students as ambassadors for the university, saying, "When you go out into the world, achieve great things and make a positive impact, you will embody Stony Brook’s mission and inspire the next generation of students."
Interim President Richard McCormick introduced Goldsmith at a University Senate meeting held in the Charles B. Wang Center Theatre. He expressed confidence in her leadership abilities: “I am certain that Dr. Goldsmith is the right leader to enable the university to exceed its ambitious goals and reach new heights.”
Goldsmith highlighted her commitment to public education, reflecting on her own educational journey through public schools and community college before earning advanced degrees from U.C. Berkeley. She remarked on the significance of higher education: “There’s never been a more important time to strongly articulate the value of higher education for societal benefit and upward mobility.” She believes Stony Brook can become a leading voice advocating for education's value.
Addressing challenges faced by higher education, Goldsmith advocated for shared governance and teamwork while embracing change: “We have to be prepared to take risks and to embrace change, and that will be essential.”
Goldsmith concluded her visit with a reception involving university leadership, faculty, staff, and USG students at Charles B. Wang Center’s Skylight Lobby.
Appointed as Stony Brook's seventh president by the State University of New York Board of Trustees on February 19, Goldsmith is set to assume office on August 1. She is currently serving as Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University.