Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, delivered her first State of the University Address on September 29 at the Staller Center Main Stage. The event was attended by students, faculty, staff, healthcare workers, elected officials, and local guests. Sarah Elbaroudy, Undergraduate Student Government President, introduced Goldsmith.
Goldsmith opened her address with a commitment to work alongside the Stony Brook community to “accelerate Stony Brook’s excellence and impact across all dimensions of education, research, healthcare and service to our community, the great state of New York, the country and the world.”
She reflected on her career as an academic and entrepreneur and drew parallels between her own principles—believing in herself, forging new paths, and embracing high-reward risks—and what she described as Stony Brook’s entrepreneurial spirit. “In so many ways, I see Stony Brook has the same entrepreneurial spirit that I do — one that is ambitious, optimistic and bold,” Goldsmith said.
Goldsmith joined Stony Brook in August after a career in higher education and technology entrepreneurship. She recounted how her experience during the interview process convinced her that she wanted to lead the university. “With every conversation I had and each story I read about Stony Brook’s drive to excel, to innovate, and to elevate every person associated with this university, these characteristics resonated deeply with me,” she said. “It was clear this was the place I wanted to lead.”
She also spoke about her background in public education from kindergarten through graduate school. “I am so grateful for the outstanding public education I have received at a price I could afford, which served as the bedrock for all my future successes,” Goldsmith said. She noted serving as president allows her to give back to public education.
Goldsmith highlighted positive interactions with students at Stony Brook: “Not only are they highly aspirational and extremely talented, but they are also truly grateful to be here,” she said. She added that students appreciate receiving an excellent and affordable education where they feel they belong.
She pointed out that more than 40 percent of undergraduates come from economically disadvantaged families who receive federal Pell Grants. Many are first-generation college attendees. Goldsmith emphasized that Stony Brook is one of only three Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions designated as an opportunity university under new Carnegie classifications.
Four-year graduation rates have increased by 21 percentage points since 2014 at Stony Brook University. This improvement means 5,500 additional students graduated within four years instead of five or more—a change estimated to bring $430 million in combined economic benefit due both to tuition savings for students ($75 million) and additional earnings ($350 million).
“What these statistics reaffirm is what a powerful role Stony Brook has, in partnership with the State University of New York, in making excellent, affordable education accessible to students from every single background,” Goldsmith said.
The president outlined plans for expanding regional impact—from New York City’s Governors Island where Stony Brook leads climate initiatives through the New York Climate Exchange, aiming for solutions on climate change—to Long Island’s eastern tip with proposed expansions at Southampton campus including educational programs and a new hospital facility.
Goldsmith mentioned recent developments such as Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement of a Quantum Research and Innovation Hub; recognition for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital as top pediatric hospital in New York State; and collaboration with Empire State Development and semiconductor company onsemi on a research facility.
Discussing economic development efforts driven by research partnerships with industry—including startups launched at Stony Brook—Goldsmith stated: “There’s so much opportunity for Stony Brook to bring big companies, startups and every in-between size of company to New York State...which will allow us to leverage our research and education as a public good that fuels economic growth, prosperity, security and our well-being.”
Concluding her address with a look toward 2035—and referencing mascot Wolfie—Goldsmith called on attendees: “I want Stony Brook to signal excellence and impact across every discipline for everyone in the United States and around the world,” she said. “But to achieve our bold vision requires all of you to be all in. And we’re going to start right now.”
She encouraged audience members: “Help shape it, help build it and help lead it...I look forward to working with all of you to set the highest aspirations for excellence and impact and to achieve them together.”
A reception followed on Staller Plaza.