University Organization

Empire State University is one of 64 institutions in the State University of New York system. The SUNY system comprises 13 doctoral degree-granting institutions, 13 comprehensive colleges, eight specialized colleges and 30 community colleges. SUNY Empire is one of the 13 comprehensive colleges.

President Lisa Vollendorf, Ph.D., reports to the chancellor of the university system, John B. King Jr., who reports to the SUNY Board of Trustees.

SUNY Empire also has an external University Council appointed by the governor of New York state and chaired by John Maggiore. The council meets quarterly and, in case of a vacancy, provides recommendations for the university presidency.

SUNY Empire is organized into operational divisions, each led by a senior leader who reports to the president of the university: the Office of the President, academic affairs, administration and finance, enrollment management and marketing, advancement, integrated technology systems, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and communications.

Contact the President's Office

Office of the President
Phone: 518-587-2100, ext. 2260
Email: president@sunyempire.edu

Chief of Staff & Chief Strategist, Leigh Kopczuk, Ph.D.
Email: leigh.kopczuk@sunyempire.edu 

Deputy Chief of Staff & Presidential Communications Director, Anthony Amiano
Email: anthony.amiano@sunyempire.edu 

Assistant to the President, Deb Liberatore LeBlanc
Phone: 518-587-2100, ext. 2231
Email: debra.liberatoreleblanc@sunyempire.edu