As anyone who steps onto the Binghamton University campus can see, we’re thriving. Construction projects abound, from new residence halls to the renovation of the University Union, and from the quad in the center of campus to the Chenango Room. Nor can we forget the Center of Excellence building at the Innovative Technologies Complex or the repairs to the University Downtown Center in Binghamton. But the Division of Administration supports the University in many other ways and you can read here about some of our human resources functions, professional development activities and behind-the-scenes business operations.

With broad-based hiring of faculty for the upcoming academic year, the Division of Academic Affairs has positioned itself to lower the student-to-faculty ratio, support research at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and continue to attract the highest-caliber students. As the University awaits approval of its NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant proposal, a net gain of 35 faculty will be on campus for the 2012-13 academic year. These faculty teach and inspire our students, but also help us raise our reputation and research profile across the country and around the world, as you’ll see through the articles and profiles in this report.

The Division of External Affairs is all about making connections – across campus as well as beyond our campus borders with alumni, donors, parents, legislators and friends. These audiences are vital to the continued success of Binghamton University, as the over-the-top success of our $100 million Bold.Brilliant.Binghamton campaign demonstrates. As you’ll read here, our recent efforts have centered on introducing President Harvey Stenger to as many people as possible, engaging alumni in new ways and continuing to put our best face forward on the Web, in print publications and with the media.

Creative researchers and innovators at Binghamton University are working in fields ranging from nanomaterials to biofilms and data mining to sensors. They’re also raising the level of discourse in the humanities, breaking new ground in consumer research and studying ways to improve our nation’s healthcare. But research entails more than working in a lab or analyzing data. It also involves making connections with industry, seeking out funding opportunities, zeroing in on problems that affect everyday life and developing young minds to lay the foundation for future research — as you’ll read about here.

In 2011, the Division of Student Affairs identified seven areas for strategic focus: the further development of our infrastructure (buildings, technology and staff), enhancement of health/safety and wellness initiatives, expansion of experiential learning opportunities, and improved coordination with academic affairs in support of student advising from entry through graduation. As you'll read in this report, the division has been faithful to these intended areas of emphasis, which support and enrich the student experience. We look forward to updating you on these and other areas of strategic emphasis in future reports as well.

Imagine being drafted to pitch in the major leagues, or running to qualify for the London Olympics. That’s what Binghamton University student-athletes have been up to recently, and with well over 400 student-athletes competing for Binghamton, we’re expecting those accolades to continue rolling in. Our student-athletes contribute at many levels: academically, through community outreach and on the fields and courts. Read on to learn about how Binghamton athletics is moving forward with new leadership and an emphasis on building a culture of success.