SUNY Fredonia Executive and Leadership Team

Dennis Hefner, the President at SUNY Fredonia, architects the long-term vision and strategic direction for the university. Leading the institution toward continued academic prominence, the President oversees the development of over 65 majors and programs in liberal arts, music, and STEM fields. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and the broader community to ensure the university remains an affordable, high-quality public institution. By championing student-centered initiatives and maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio, Dennis Hefner directly impacts the success and retention of the student population. Hefner drives institutional growth through targeted recruitment and the expansion of campus resources. Through consistent advocacy for academic rigor and community building, the President secures the university's reputation as a premier destination for higher education. This commitment to excellence ensures that the institution continues to provide individualized attention and a transformative educational experience for all prospective and current students.

Michel Kouadio, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Fredonia, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the university's academic mission. Managing complex data systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the campus. This leadership role involves modernizing classroom technology and optimizing administrative software to enhance operational efficiency. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Michel Kouadio directly impacts the university's ability to provide a contemporary, student-centered learning environment. Kouadio oversees the integration of advanced digital tools that support research initiatives and administrative workflows. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer maintains robust network stability, facilitating academic growth and institutional connectivity. This focus on technological advancement remains central to the university's commitment to providing a high-quality, modern educational experience for all students, regardless of their specific field of study or academic program requirements.

Naomi Baldwin, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Fredonia, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across all university departments. Overseeing the alignment of administrative goals with the broader institutional mission, the Chief of Staff manages high-level projects and supports the President in executing strategic initiatives. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes and fostering collaboration between faculty, staff, and student organizations. By optimizing organizational workflows, Naomi Baldwin directly impacts the efficiency of campus operations and the overall quality of the student experience. Baldwin manages critical stakeholder relationships and ensures that university policies reflect the core values of accessibility and academic excellence. Through meticulous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff maintains institutional focus on student-centered outcomes. This dedication to operational excellence supports the university's goal of providing a distinguished, nationally-ranked education while maintaining a supportive and vibrant community for the entire student body.

Richard Gilman, the Honorary Member at SUNY Fredonia, provides strategic counsel and historical perspective to the university leadership team. Supporting the institution's commitment to academic excellence, the Honorary Member contributes to long-term planning and the preservation of the university's core values. This leadership role involves advising on institutional legacy and fostering connections between the university and its alumni network. By offering guidance on community engagement and philanthropic initiatives, Richard Gilman directly impacts the university's ability to sustain its mission of providing affordable, quality education. Gilman participates in high-level discussions regarding the future of the institution, ensuring that current strategies align with the university's established reputation for excellence in liberal arts and STEM fields. Through this advisory capacity, the Honorary Member strengthens the university's foundation, supporting the ongoing success of students and faculty alike while maintaining the institution's status as a nationally-ranked public university.