University Leadership

Portrait of President Sams facing forward

About President Sams

Dr. Timothy E. Sams was appointed president at the State University of New York at Old Westbury by the State University of New York Board of Trustees effective January 11, 2021. 

Dr. Sams brought more than 29 years of higher education experience to SUNY Old Westbury, with demonstrated leadership in improving student success, particularly for students from disadvantaged and marginalized communities. He brings to the College an emphasis on institutional excellence, inclusive innovation and strategic change management.

He came to the campus from his role as vice president of student affairs for Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. At Prairie View, he showcased his deep commitment to excellence, student support, and inclusivity through the creation of the university’s residential college, emergency resource center and LGBTQ+ Resource Center.

That work built on past experiences at respected institutions across the country, including Morehouse College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York University-Abu Dhabi and Swarthmore College.

Read more about Dr. Sams 

The President's Cabinet

Timothy E. Sams, Ph.D.
President

Kyle Anderson, Ph.D.
Chair, Faculty Senate

Antonia DiGregorio, Ph.D.
Dean of the Library

Randall M-J Edouard, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students

Teseria Bryant Ezzell, M.B.A.
Executive Director, Human Resources

Michael Kavic, Ph.D.
Associate Provost

Michael G. Kinane, M.A.
Vice President for Communications & College Relations

David J. Lanoue, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs

Gary Levanti, M.B.A. 
Interim Director, School of Professional Studies

Duncan Quarless, Ph.D.
Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Advancement

Lisandra Ramos, M.F.A, M.A.
Special Assistant to the President, Administration & Initiatives

Jo-Ann Robinson, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff

Martha M. Santana, M.B.A.
Vice President for Business & Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Shalei Simms, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Business

Diana Sukhram, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Education

Bryan Terry, Ph.D.
Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing

Angela Wambugu Cobb, M.A.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Cheryl A. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences