Jennifer Almquist has been appointed chief of staff to Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, with her tenure beginning on August 18, 2025. Almquist brings more than twenty years of experience in higher education administration, having previously served as chief of staff to five presidents at two universities.
In her new role, Almquist will help develop and implement presidential priorities, oversee major projects, and work closely with both internal and external stakeholders. This includes collaboration with the Stony Brook community, the State University of New York (SUNY) system, government officials at various levels, and advocacy organizations.
Almquist most recently worked at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where she was chief of staff to the president and acted as liaison to the board of trustees. Her responsibilities included strategic planning, communications, governance, government relations, university events, and cross-institutional initiatives. At UNC, she led the execution of a 10-year strategic plan that involved broad stakeholder engagement and designed metrics for tracking progress. She also contributed significantly to establishing a new osteopathic medical college by helping secure over $200 million in funding and coordinating project teams.
President Andrea Goldsmith commented on Almquist’s appointment: “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Almquist to Stony Brook University and my leadership team,” said President Andrea 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.”
Prior to her time at UNC, Almquist held administrative roles at Stanford University and the University of Michigan. She also served as chief of staff at Oregon State University where she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies including a PhD in Applied Anthropology focused on academic organizations.
Reflecting on her new position at Stony Brook University, Almquist stated: “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.”