Stony Brook University has appointed Jennifer Almquist as chief of staff to President Andrea Goldsmith, effective August 18, 2025. Almquist will join the president’s cabinet and serve as a senior strategic advisor on a range of internal and external matters.
In her new role, Almquist will help advance the university’s vision and priorities. She will oversee high-priority projects and act as the main liaison between the president’s office and key stakeholders such as the State University of New York (SUNY) System, the Stony Brook Council, and advocacy groups.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Almquist to Stony Brook University and my leadership team,” said Goldsmith. “Jennifer is an exceptionally talented and visionary leader with an outstanding track record in strategic planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, governance and university operations. This background and experience, coupled with her collaborative team spirit, make her an invaluable partner in taking Stony Brook to new heights of excellence and impact across research, education, healthcare and service to our community, our great state, the country and the world. Our ability to attract such a talented leader validates the importance of our mission and our infinite possibilities going forward.”
Almquist brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education administration. She has served as chief of staff for five university presidents at two institutions. Most recently she worked at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where she was chief of staff to the president and liaison to the board of trustees. Her responsibilities there included leading strategic planning efforts, managing communications, overseeing board governance matters, handling government relations at both state and federal levels, organizing university events, and coordinating cross-institutional initiatives.
She previously held similar roles at Oregon State University. In addition to these positions, she has administrative experience from Stanford University and the University of Michigan.
“I am incredibly excited to join Stony Brook University at this pivotal moment,” said Almquist. “The university’s vibrant intellectual community, its dedication to research, education, and public service, and its commitment to diversity deeply resonate with me. I look forward to collaborating with President Goldsmith, the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance Stony Brook’s strategic initiatives and amplify its impact as a national leader in public higher education.”
While at UNC, Almquist led efforts on a ten-year strategic plan that involved broad engagement across campus constituencies. She also played a central role in establishing a new osteopathic medical college by helping secure over $200 million in funding from public and private sources.
Almquist holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University. Her PhD is in applied anthropology with research focused on academic organizations.