Five Questions with Dr. Nicole Reaves, President

Dr. Nicole Reaves began her Presidency at SUNY Schenectady on July 15, 2026. She brings a wealth of leadership experience in higher education to the College. Her more than 30-year career in higher education has centered on advancing academic excellence, partnering to build strong communities, and championing the life-changing mission of open access institutions such as community colleges. Her experience also includes 12 years of teaching in Allied Health and College and Career Readiness.

  1. Welcome Dr. Reaves! This is an exciting time for both you and the SUNY Schenectady community alike. You have expressed that during your first 100 days, your first priority is to embark on a “listening tour” to learn more about the College from students, faculty, staff, administrators, leaders in Schenectady County and the city of Schenectady, workforce and economic development partners, donors, SUNY system leaders, and community organizations. Can you tell us more about how you envision your first 100 days at SUNY Schenectady and what you plan to gain from your listening tour?

    One of the most important things a new President can do is listen. Before I can lead effectively, I need to understand the culture and what makes SUNY Schenectady special.

    Over the first 100 days, I’ll spend a great deal of time meeting with students, faculty, staff, community leaders, industry partners, and elected officials. I want to hear what we’re doing well, where we can improve, and where there are opportunities for the future of the College. These conversations will help shape our priorities moving forward.

  2. Now more than ever, higher education institutions need to demonstrate very clearly their value to not only prospective students and their families, but also to business and industry leaders, governmental leaders, and members of the community. Can you share your insights about how valuable community colleges like SUNY Schenectady are in the higher education landscape? I’ve spent the majority of my higher education career in open access institutions such as community colleges. I believe in the mission of community colleges and believe they have been a democratizing force in higher education.

    Community colleges like SUNY Schenectady open doors, meet students where they are and help them get to where they want to go, whether it’s transferring to a four-year university, entering the workforce, continuing their education and advancing their careers, or simply learning something new.

    Community Colleges also serve as the workforce engines and road to economic prosperity for many communities. We prepare the talent pipeline helping businesses to grow, strengthen local, regional and state economies, and make our communities a better place to work and live.

    At the same time, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure students see a meaningful return on their investment. Our goal should always be to leave students in a better place than when they first walked through our doors. 

  3. Throughout your career, what has continued to inspire your commitment to higher education and student success?


    The education bug bit me when I served as a teaching and research assistant while pursuing my master’s degree. Once I taught my first class, I was hooked and the rest is history.

    I have spent the majority of my career serving in open-access institutions as both faculty and an administrator. I’ve seen firsthand how education transforms lives. I’ve watched students overcome incredible odds, earn a credential, find meaningful careers, and completely change the trajectory of their lives and their families.

    Also, without my own education, I would not be where I am today. Education transformed my life, opened doors for me and created opportunities I could never have imagined. It also instilled in me a responsibility to pay it forward by helping others, whether within my family or the broader community. After more than 30 years in the field, I remain deeply passionate about education and the work. I view it as far more than a career; it is truly a calling.

  4. You recently met with some students and asked them about their experiences at the College and their goals for the future. Then, they had the opportunity to ask you questions, including one posed by Student Government Association President River Henrikson who asked, “What do you want your legacy to be?” Can you share with us what you told the students?

    I shared with them that long before I wanted to be remembered as a College President, I hope people remember me as someone who was a devoted daughter, a fun aunt, a loyal friend, someone who laughed often, enjoyed good chocolate, who loved well, and tried not to take life too seriously.

    Professionally, I hope my legacy is much simpler. I hope people can say that I helped transform lives and strengthen communities through education.

  5. You have settled in now after moving to the Capital Region from North Carolina. What are you most looking forward to exploring in Schenectady, the Capital Region, and New York State?

    I’m excited to experience everything the Capital Region has to offer.

    I love musicals and live theater. So, Proctors is definitely high on my list, and I hope to make plenty of trips to New York City for Broadway shows. I’m also looking forward to discovering locally owned restaurants and shops throughout Schenectady County.

    Also, people are usually surprised to hear this, but I also absolutely love camping and being outdoors. I’m excited to explore the hiking trails, parks, and natural spaces that make this part of New York special.

Bonus Question

  1. When people think about SUNY Schenectady five years from now, what do you hope they will say about the College and its impact on students and the community?


    I hope they will say that SUNY Schenectady is a college where students truly come first.

    One of my guiding beliefs is that “students are central to success.” When the students are successful then the college has been successful at accomplishing its mission.

    I hope people see SUNY Schenectady as a college known for educational excellence, strong partnerships, workforce innovation, and changing lives. I want students to know this is a place where they belong, where they are supported, and where they can build the future they have imagined for themselves and their families.