A future built on ‘The Binghamton Bond’

For the past 80 years, the institution known variously as Triple Cities College, Harpur College, SUNY Binghamton, and Binghamton University has been driven by a core mission: giving talented students and faculty the opportunities and resources they need to make the world a better place.

“Our commitment is to continue to grow and amplify that mission into the next 80 years,” Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva says.

D’Alleva knows that the Binghamton University of 2026 is unrecognizable to many alumni, with its new buildings, expansion into the city of Binghamton and Johnson City, and additional students and faculty. But it is growth that’s guided by what D’Alleva calls “The Binghamton Bond.”

“It is the spirit that unites all of us — the big, broad Binghamton community — in the work we do to advance learning, teaching, research, service, and the commitment to making our world better,” she says. “As a newcomer to this community, I’ve felt The Binghamton Bond: How much everyone in this community cares about one another. How collaborative we are in our work, and how Binghamton and its people make a difference. … It is the magic element that has guided this university through 80 years of progress and success.”

A five-year strategic plan for areas such as teaching and learning, research and scholarship, community engagement, and economic development is scheduled to be implemented by the fall. In the meantime, here are some short-term priorities as Binghamton continues to grow into one of the nation’s top public universities.

New York Center for AI Responsibility and Research

A gift from Tom Secunda ’76, MA ’79, co-founder of Bloomberg L.P., and capital investment from New York state will enable Binghamton to create the New York Center for AI Responsibility and Research. It will be the first independent artificial-intelligence research center at a public university.

The center will be used by New York’s leading institutions to promote responsible research and development, create jobs, and unlock AI opportunities across the state.
“Binghamton has already done tremendous work in AI, thanks to our faculty in the Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science,” D’Alleva says. “This University will lead the nation and the world in ensuring that AI serves for the benefit of all.”

Research expansion

The AI Center will serve to meet Gov. Kathy Hochul’s goal of doubling SUNY’s research expenditures. Binghamton University recorded its best year in 2024–25, totaling $87.3 million — a 28% increase from the previous year.

“Binghamton has made tremendous strides in research and scholarship,” D’Alleva says. “It’s also clear that our faculty, students, and staff are eager and ready to do more.

“We need to continue to work with industry partners to maximize the potential for tech transfer, entrepreneurship, and economic development. And we need not only additional faculty and staff, but also more graduate students to assist in these efforts.”

More dedicated space for research is also needed, says D’Alleva, who is advocating for a new research building on campus.

Physical space

While a new research facility is a longer-term project, two new buildings are slated to open in the next 18 months. University Hall (a new lecture hall and classroom building located next to Academic A) will open in the fall of 2027, adding 1,900 new seats. A 362-bed residential hall — Grace Hall — will open in summer 2027 and sit between the CIW and Mountainview communities. A 75,000-square-foot addition to the East Gym will be unveiled this fall. The Chenango Room, Events Center, and Science 3 will also see renovations.

Graduate education

The quality of education that Binghamton graduate students receive is not in question, D’Alleva says.

“It’s excellent,” she says. “However, the graduate-student experience holistically needs to improve before we can grow the graduate student population.”

Areas such as housing for international graduate students and career development are among the issues that will be addressed.

Rebranding

The University is partnering with a national leader in higher-education marketing — SimpsonScarborough — on a project to “sharpen our brand” and reach prospective students and higher-ed peers without losing key identity symbols, such as the “B” logo and Pantone 342.

“Everyone in New York knows about Binghamton,” D’Alleva says. “But we need to refine and share our story widely.”

During her Listening to Lead Tour, D’Alleva asked attendees for one word they would use to describe the University. The most common words included community, caring, supportive, excellence, innovative, welcoming, and home.

“This is how this community sees itself,” D’Alleva says. “This is a community of people who truly, genuinely care about one another and are proud of the environment they’ve cultivated.”