Presidential Search
Announcing the Eighth President of SUNY Schenectady
Dr. Nicole Reaves
Dr. Nicole Reaves serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Programs Officer
at Wake Technical Community College, the largest community college in North Carolina,
impacting approximately 64,000 students annually. In this role, she oversees academic
affairs, student affairs, institutional effectiveness, workforce and continuing education,
and the provosts over the seven campuses. Her leadership has driven significant institutional
advancements, including a major reorganization to support a one-college framework,
better aligning industry-focused non-credit and credit programs to support student
success, and the implementation of the college’s strategic plan which has resulted
in improved student outcomes.
Previously, Dr. Reaves was the Provost at Northern Virginia Community College’s Medical Education Campus, overseeing Nursing and Health Sciences and all the operational aspects of the specialized campus. There she led the development of a health sciences transfer degree, increased enrollment by 15%, established vital industry and educational partnerships, specifically partnering with Alexandria City Schools and George Washington University to establish the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy. She and her team also launched the “MEC Mobile” clinic to serve underserved communities while providing much needed clinical opportunities for students.
As Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at City Colleges of Chicago—Wilbur Wright College, Dr. Reaves drove efforts to redesign developmental education to improve student success rates, led the development of the colleges first academic strategic plan, co-led with faculty a national equity project with the American Association of Colleges and Universities that resulted in significant increases in Hispanic student success. Her tenure saw a doubling of degrees awarded annually and significant increases in graduation and enrollment. At Westmoreland County Community College, Dr. Reaves served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services leading Achieving the Dream initiatives which increased retention and completion rates. She played a pivotal role in successful accreditation processes, developing and implementing the college’s strategic plan, new program development, and a record breaking capital campaign. Additionally, she assisted with the launch of the college’s new Advance Technology Center and Latrobe Campus.
Dr. Reaves’ over 30 year long leadership in higher education has centered on advancing academic excellence, ensuring access to higher education, partnering to build strong communities, prioritizing a deep commitment to equity and inclusion 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.
Dr. Reaves holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University, a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from East Carolina University.
Dr. Reaves will begin her tenure at SUNY Schenectady on July 15, 2026.
About SUNY Schenectady
Founded in 1969, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY Schenectady is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through transferable degree and certificate programs, affordable tuition, strong student support services and a personalized approach to learning, SUNY Schenectady provides students with a regionally-acclaimed education that empowers them to take the next step in their lives. SUNY Schenectady offers over 50 degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs, as well as workforce development and community education. The campus is located 20 miles west of Albany, the capital of New York State.
April 27, 2026
Dear SUNY Schenectady Campus Community Members,
There will be an announcement concerning the next president of SUNY Schenectady tomorrow
afternoon at the April 28, 2026 SUNY Board of Trustees meeting. The livestream link
to the Board of Trustees meeting will be available via the Board of Trustees Meetings webpage.
The action regarding SUNY Schenectady is scheduled to take place at approximately
3:15 p.m., following the call to order and approval of the minutes. We will alert
you if the meeting agenda changes.
I want to express my appreciation to the Presidential Search Committee and to the entire campus community for your engagement, participation, and support throughout this process. Your contributions have helped ensure a strong future for SUNY Schenectady and I look forward to celebrating this new chapter together.
Warm regards,
Ann Fleming Brown
SUNY Schenectady Presidential Search Committee Chair
March 18, 2026
Dear members of the SUNY Schenectady community,
I write to you with appreciation for your full hearted participation in our Presidential Search. Each of the finalists expressed the feeling of warmth, welcome and hospitality that SUNY Schenectady displayed.
After many months of work with the Search Committee, in conjunction with our Search Firm RPA Inc., we reviewed hundreds of applications from across the country and the world. Over many meetings, the Search Committee narrowed the group to a smaller number for a weekend of Zoom interviews. Those interviews led to the selection of the five finalists.
Thanks to each of you who provided feedback for the on-campus interviews. As the Board reviewed each candidate, your input and comments proved invaluable.
The Board has met three times to review the finalists. In our most recent meeting we have recommended a candidate to advance to the SUNY Board of Trustees for their consideration. The SUNY Board will meet on April 28, 2026 to select our candidate. Look for an announcement to follow that meeting.
I join with the Board of Trustees in thanking the members of the Search Committee for their work. They demonstrated a positive vision for the future of SUNY Schenectady. I was proud to work with them.
Sincerely,
Ann Fleming Brown
Chair
SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees
February 11, 2026
To our SUNY Schenectady Community:
The Presidential Search Committee has completed its work. After thorough and thoughtful evaluation, the committee has recommended finalists to come for on campus visits and interviews.
From February 23 to February 27, SUNY Schenectady will host daylong interviews for finalists. A thumbnail of each day’s schedule is listed below. Please participate by attending the open forum designated for your role or title at the college to meet the candidates.
Each candidate’s profile will be available two business days prior to their visit. All of the candidates bring leadership experience and personal qualities that will impress.
A feedback link will be available for 24 hours following each visit. Timely submission of feedback within this window is essential. We encourage you to share your perspectives, which will inform the trustee evaluations.
In March, the SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees will select and forward a candidate to the SUNY Board. If all the pieces are in place, the SUNY Board will confirm the candidate at the end of April.
After that meeting, our next president will be revealed.
Please join me in thanking the members of the Search Committee for their excellent work advancing toward the future leadership of SUNY Schenectady.
Campus Visit Schedule - February 23-27
7:30-8:30 a.m. - Breakfast and Open Forum with Community & Business Leaders and Retirees
(By Invitation)
Location: Lally Mohawk
8:45-9:30 a.m. - Open Forum with Deans, Directors and Administrators
Location: Stockade 101
9:45-10:30 a.m. - Open Forum with Administrative, Professional, and Support Staff
Location: Stockade 101
11:00-11:45 a.m. - Open Forum with Students
Location: Stockade 101
12:00-1:00 p.m. - Open Forum with Faculty
Location: Stockade 101
1:15-2:30 p.m. - Lunch with President’s Cabinet
Location: Learning Commons Second Floor
2:45-3:15 p.m. - Highlights Tour of SUNY Schenectady
December 16, 2025
To the SUNY Schenectady community:
On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am pleased to provide an update on our search process.
The Executive Search Firm, RPA Inc., conducted national recruitment during the fall, spending much of that time in conversations with prospective candidates and building a robust pool of candidates. There is strong interest in SUNY Schenectady and our presidency.
The Search Committee now has access to the candidate pool and has begun the evaluation process. The committee work will continue over the next few months, leading to on-campus interviews for a select group of candidates in late February or early March.
While the work of the Search Committee remains confidential, you can trust that the Committee continues to operate behind the scenes. I look forward to engaging the campus community in the search in the late winter. Look for details about your role in the on-campus interviews closer to that time.
With sincere regards,
Ann Fleming Brown
Chair, SUNY Schenectady Presidential Search Committee
Chair, SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees
September 22, 2025
Greetings!
The SUNY Schenectady County Community College Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee are pleased to announce the launch of the presidential search. SUNY Schenectady has partnered with RPA, Inc., a nationally recognized search firm, which will be assisting the Search Committee through its work over the coming months.
RPA, Inc. was chosen by a committee of trustees and SUNY Schenectady leaders. They bring experience with successful community college searches and knowledge of the SUNY system.
In August, RPA, Inc. visited campus and conducted in-person listening sessions with many campus groups. These sessions were followed by online listening sessions. The input from these meetings offered them a clear picture of the College and the intentions we have for the next president and the future of the institution.
More recently, a survey was shared with constituencies on- and off-campus. The survey will close on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. I encourage all who have not yet completed the survey to do so. A high-level summary of common themes from the surveys will be shared with the Search Committee and the Board of Trustees. In conjunction with the listening sessions, the summary will inform the work of the next president and the future of the institution.
The presidential search web site provides a schedule for the search and a list of the members of the Search Committee. As chair of the Search Committee, I am grateful for the time and expertise the members are offering. We are fortunate to have representatives from the faculty, staff, leadership and students of SUNY Schenectady. Alumni, community members and representatives from the Board of Trustees round out the group.
The search covers several months of work, much of it confidential. On-campus interviews for finalists are anticipated for late February or early March. It will be an opportunity for our community to meet and provide input on each of the finalists.
Additional steps include meeting with the SUNY Chancellor, a recommendation from the College Board of Trustees and review and final confirmation by the SUNY Board of Trustees.
If all goes as planned, an announcement of the next president of SUNY Schenectady will be ready in spring with a start date of July 1, 2026.
Additional updates will be announced on the presidential website.
Once the search is complete, we will take time to honor our current president Dr. Steady Moono and thank him as he plans his next chapter - retirement!
With sincere regards,
Ann Fleming Brown
Chair, SUNY Schenectady Presidential Search Committee
Chair, SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees
Summer 2025
- SUNY Schenectady contracts with RPA Inc.
Late summer 2025
- On-campus and virtual listening sessions conducted by RPA Inc.
- On-line surveys distributed to campus/community
- Position posted and advertised
Fall/Winter 2025-26
- Recruitment Period
- Search Committee Meetings and Evaluation
February/March 2026
- Finalist interviews on-campus
Winter/Spring 2026
- SUNY Chancellor meets finalists
- SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees recommends one candidate to the SUNY Board of Trustees.
- SUNY Board of Trustees confirms appointment
- New president is announced
- Ann Fleming Brown - Presidential Search Chair and Board Chair
- Renee Bradley, M.A. - Secretary, Board of Trustees
- Dr. Christopher Brellochs - Dean, School of Music
- Dr. Carlos Cotto - Superintendent, Schenectady City School District
- RaeEllen Doyle - Professor, Division of Liberal Arts
- George Goldhoff '84 - Alumnus and President, Hard Rock Atlantic City
- Mona Golub - Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Northeast Grocery, Inc.
- Jacqueline Keleher-Hughes - Director of Library Services and CADA President
- Dr. Timothy Konhaus - Dean, Division of Liberal Arts
- Jeanne Maloy - Retired President of Marshall & Sterling and Foundation Board Member
- John O'Connell - Associate Professor, School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism and UFP President
- Paula Ohlhous - Executive Director for Human Resources
- Zulaika Rodriguez - Associate Vice Chancellor for Executive Recruitment & Leadership Development, SUNY System Administration
- Tiombe Tatum '12 - Chief of Staff
- Daniel Van Buren '25 - Recent Graduate and Student Representative