State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras announced today the appointments of officers-in-charge at SUNY’s Old Westbury and Empire State College campuses. Dr. Teresa A. Miller, SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Chief Diversity Officer, will begin as officer-in-charge of SUNY Old Westbury on September 1st, after President Calvin O. Butts III leaves campus following more than 20 years of service.
“Dr. Teresa Miller’s commitment to diversity and depth of experience as a professor and a leader on campus and at SUNY system administration will benefit the SUNY Old Westbury community during their leadership transition and as campus begins the fall 2020 semester,” said Chancellor Malatras. “As a member of SUNY’s leadership team as campus reopening plans were reviewed, Dr. Miller is well aware of the planning that has enabled campuses to resume classes and is prepared to make additional changes to keep our students and the communities we serve safe.”
“President Butts has led a rebuilding of SUNY Old Westbury both in growing enrollment with an increasingly diverse student body, and in renewing the campus infrastructure,” said Chancellor Malatras. “And, more importantly, he has inspired a generation of students passing through Old Westbury to earn their degree and has created of culture of community service. We thank him for his years of service to SUNY.”
Dr. Miller will serve as SUNY Old Westbury officer-in-charge as the search for a permanent president nears completion.
Dr. Miller serves on SUNY’s senior leadership team as Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Chief Diversity Officer, which she will continue to serve during the SUNY Old Westbury leadership transition. In this role, she works on the leadership and direction of strategic initiatives and sets the goals and expectations for diversity and inclusion across SUNY and its campuses. She also leads PRODiG, designed to increase diversity amongst faculty ranks and guide campus hiring.
She has a wealth of experience in leading diverse teams of individuals and coordinating university-wide strategies that ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Miller joined SUNY System Administration from the University at Buffalo (UB) where she served as a longtime member of the faculty at the UB Law School, earning her tenure and a promotion to the rank of full professor of law. She also served as the University’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence.