Twelve SUNY Old Westbury Faculty receive promotions, tenure

Two male students talk near a sculpture

The State University of New York at Old Westbury has announced the promotion of 11 faculty members, effective September 1, 2024, with another effective in November.

"The stellar contributions to teaching, research, and service of these members of the SUNY Old Westbury faculty not only inspire and prepare our students for future success but also enhance our University’s national reputation as a leading institution for student achievement and research excellence," said University President Timothy E. Sams.

Among the tenured and tenure-track faculty, two who had previously earned tenure were promoted from associate professor to professor in recognition of their sustained professional accomplishments. Nine members of the faculty were promoted from assistant professor to associate professor with tenure and one earned promotion from assistant librarian to associate librarian with tenure. Faculty earn tenure based on their accomplishments in each of three categories of performance: teaching, research/scholarship/creative activities, and service.  

Promoted to Professor 

Effective 9/1/2024

  • Sylvie Kande, History and Philosophy
  • Lorenz Neuwirth, Psychology

Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure 

Effective 9/1/2024

  • Kyle Anderson, History and Philosophy
  • Maria Cabail, Biological Sciences
  • Eric Hagan, Visual Arts
  • Deepa Jani, English
  • Matthew Lippert, Chemistry and Physics
  • Jillian Nissen, Biological Sciences
  • Oluwasheyi Oladipo, Politics, Economic and Law
  • Do Young Park, Mathematics, Computer and Information Science
  • Sara Williamson, Management, Marketing and Finance

Promoted to Associate Librarian with Tenure 

Effective 11/10/2024

  • Christa DeVirgilio

In addition, three members of the faculty retired from service to the campus as the 2024-2025 academic year began:  

  • Michael Colaneri, associate professor, Chemistry and Physics
  • Lisa Payton, assistant professor, American Studies/Media and Communications
  • Jingyi Song, professor, History and Philosophy 
Faculty Achievement