State University of New York Board of Trustees appoints new chancellor
Kristina M. Johnson will lead SUNY system's 64 colleges and universities
The State University of New York Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Kristina M. Johnson as the 13th chancellor of SUNY, the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the United States.
“Throughout her distinguished career, Kristina Johnson has not only been a faculty member, administrator, and visionary in higher education but also a dedicated public servant, national energy czar, successful entrepreneur, and an acclaimed inventor,” SUNY Chairman H. Carl McCall said. “We are thrilled to welcome her to SUNY, where her range of experience will enable her to leverage the incredible work of our 64 colleges and universities.”
“The State University of New York is a complex, captivating system like no other in higher education, and the opportunity to serve as its chancellor is the highest honor of my career,” said Johnson. “I look forward to building on the excellent foundation for SUNY that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and the Board of Trustees have developed in partnership with SUNY presidents, faculty, staff and students as well as the communities they serve in every region.”
“Everyone at Binghamton University is pleased to learn that the State University Board of Trustees has chosen Kristina Johnson to be the new chancellor,” Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger said. “She comes into the job with outstanding qualifications as a recognized leader in academia, industry and politics. She enters SUNY at a time when higher education is undergoing transition, and all of SUNY’s 64 campuses will benefit from her experience and vision. I look forward to welcoming her to our campus.”
Johnson is the current founder and chief executive officer of Cube Hydro Partners, LLC, which develops hydroelectric generation facilities that provide clean energy to communities and businesses throughout the country. She was appointed by President Barack Obama as U.S. Under Secretary of Energy and served as Johns Hopkins University provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University and professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Johnson has been an advocate for women in leadership, advanced STEM and STEAM education, pioneered the creation of jobs through higher education-industry partnerships, established intensive research opportunities for students and faculty, and positioned leading institutions of higher education for greater success through the development of innovative strategic plans.
She is an inventor and entrepreneur who holds 118 U.S. and international patents. She is a member of the National Academy of Inventors, the National Academy of Engineering and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Zimpher will step down as chancellor in June. Johnson’s appointment is effective Sept. 5 at an annual state salary of $560,000. Interim leadership for the period between June and September will be appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees at its June 21 meeting.