Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith participated in a fireside chat with Ece Naz Durali, vice president of student affairs for the Undergraduate Student Government, to discuss her vision for the university and engage with students about their role in shaping its future.
Goldsmith reflected on her initial period as president, stating, “an amazing 100-plus days as Stony Brook’s seventh president,” and highlighted her admiration for the student body. “Especially the undergraduates. They’re so grateful to be here. They’re so hard working and aspirational and inspiring.”
During the conversation, Durali referenced Goldsmith’s State of the University Address, noting that it included a bold plan to enhance excellence and impact at Stony Brook. She asked which parts of this vision would most affect undergraduate students.
Goldsmith explained that themes such as ‘Accelerate, Build, Catalyze’ had emerged from campus-wide discussions. She emphasized collaborative planning: “People ask me, what’s my strategic vision? I say, it’s not my vision, it’s our vision. We have to craft it together.” She encouraged students to contribute ideas through the Strategic Plan page on her website: “So for the students, I hope that they will contribute to the strategic planning and help to shape this vision.”
On research and workforce opportunities for undergraduates, Goldsmith pointed out New York State's $300 million investment in quantum research at Stony Brook—described as Governor Kathy Hochul's largest single-topic investment at any SUNY institution—as evidence of the university's leadership in research. “It is an incredible validation of the excellence that we have here at Stony Brook in research and education,” she said.
She also mentioned experiential learning opportunities available through partnerships with institutions like Brookhaven National Laboratory—which Stony Brook co-manages for the U.S. Department of Energy—and The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island in New York City, where Stony Brook serves as anchor institution.
The discussion also covered topics such as innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, affordability and upward mobility efforts, support services for students, and community life at Stony Brook.
Goldsmith concluded by encouraging students: “I really encourage students to explore, to be bold, to not be afraid to fail, and to take full advantage of what Stony Brook has to offer them.”