IMPROVING CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE
Some of the major improvements to infrastructure completed over the summer are very visible; others are not. Read in this issue about the many major projects completed by Physical Facilities and Information Technology Services, as well as the new programs offered by the University Center for Training and Development.
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES OPENS NEW BUILDING
The opening of the new, $60-million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University's Health Sciences Campus in Johnson City, N.Y., headlines this quarterly report, but there's also good news about collaborations, external funding and student successes. Read more in this issue.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES SUPPORT STUDENTS
It takes donors at many levels to make Binghamton University successful, and in this issue of the quarterly report, you can read about a number of them. Whether it's AVANGRID offering full-tuition scholarships and capstone project support, or playing golf to benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, the Division of Advancement works with Binghamton supporters.
BINGHAMTON RESEARCH FUNDING SETS RECORD
Binghamton University reported research expenditures totaling $47.5 million in 2017-18, an increase of about 19 percent from the previous fiscal year. The figure tops 2011-12, the campus’ all-time best year for research funding, when just over $40 million was reported. The new record, which follows several years of steady growth, is an important sign of the campus’ creativity and innovation. Healthcare research accounted for nearly a third of expenditures, with electronics packaging and systems engineering following at about 22 percent.
BAXTER THE BEARCAT BOOSTS SCHOOL SPIRIT
The Division of Student Affairs spent the summer hosting students and families for orientation and preparing for the opening of the fall semester. With some new people on board and some others with new duties, it has been a busy time. Not too busy, though, to show Binghamton University pride, as you'll read about the new Baxter the Bearcat Bench in the University Union in this issue.
STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY
Student-athletes continue to shine on and off the courts and fields. The Athletics Department sets high academic standards, and student-athletes surpass them across the board. Read about the accomplishments made by student-athletes in their sports and in the classroom – and check out the videos showcasing fall sports and the new women's head basketball coach, Bethann Shapiro Ord, in this issue.
HELPING TO MAKE THE CAMPUS MORE INCLUSIVE
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to educate and empower everyone on campus in ways that create a welcoming community. From the Udiversity Educational Institute, that holds trainings for students, faculty and staff, to the Multicultural Resource Center and Q Center, the division's offices that work to build bridges and support students though education and events such as Sundaze, part of its Welcome Week programming. Read about the division's recent initiatives in this report.
DONOR SUPPORT ADVANCES BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
The Binghamton University Foundation had a successful 2017-18 year, bringing in the second highest amount of cash ever in support of the University. Read the numbers in this issue of the quarterly report, and learn one way the Foundation celebrates its donors.
Search for new dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science to begin
With the announcement by Krishnaswami “Hari” Srihari that he will step down from his position as dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science in August 2019, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Donald Nieman has established a committee to coordinate the search for Srihari’s replacement.
The search will be led by Bahgat Sammakia, vice president for research and distinguished professor of mechanical engineering.
“I am grateful to my colleague, Bahgat Sammakia, for agreeing to chair the search,” Nieman said. “Bahgat’s reputation, sound judgment and collaborative spirit make him the perfect person to lead the search.”
Nieman expressed confidence in the committee as it begins its work.
“In the past decade, under the leadership of Dean Hari Srihari, the Watson School has grown in size and quality, making this one of the most attractive deanship opportunities in the country,” he said. “I know we will attract an outstanding pool of candidates and recruit an excellent dean.”
The committee includes:
• Bahgat Sammakia, chair
• Scott Craver, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering
• Kanad Ghose, professor of computer science
• Gretchen Mahler, associate professor of Biomedical engineering
• Weyi Meng, professor of computer science
• Louis Piper, associate professor of physics
• Mark Poliks, professor of systems science and industrial engineering
• Shahrzad (Sherry) Towfighian, assistant professor of mechanical engineering
• Vincent Brady, manager of engineering laboratories and learning environments
• Lisa Gallagher, assistant dean for research and graduate studies
• Ling Ling (Sally) Bishop, undergraduate student
• Mohammad Tradat, graduate student
• Kenneth Goldblatt, Binghamton University Foundation Board of Directors
• Marilyn Gaska, Alumni Association Board of Directors
The search will begin immediately.