Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY — May 29, 2024 — Stony Brook University, the top public university in New York and a state flagship, has announced that President Maurie McInnis will step down after a notable four-year tenure to assume the presidency of Yale University.
A New Chapter for a Distinguished Leader
Maurie McInnis, an alumna of Yale University with degrees including a Ph.D. obtained in 1996, has been an influential figure on Yale’s Board of Trustees. She is set to begin her new role as Yale’s president on July 1, 2024. The State University of New York (SUNY) will manage the transition of leadership at Stony Brook.
Guiding Through Unprecedented Times
Since her appointment in March 2020, McInnis has adeptly navigated Stony Brook through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure is marked by significant advancements that have elevated the university’s status as a premier research institution and a modern beacon within the SUNY system.
Under her leadership, Stony Brook achieved several key milestones:
- Anchor Institution for Climate Research: Stony Brook was designated the anchor institution for The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island.
- Historic Endowment: The university received an extraordinary $500 million unrestricted endowment from the Simons Foundation, one of the largest gifts ever to an American university.
- Highest Rankings: Stony Brook reached its highest rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges listings.
Collaborative Leadership and Vision
McInnis’s presidency at Stony Brook has been characterized by a collaborative approach that included working with:
- SUNY and its Board of Trustees
- The Stony Brook Foundation
- The Stony Brook Council
- The Simons Foundation
- More than 2,900 faculty and staff members
This coalition focused on enhancing academic excellence, expanding opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds, and bolstering New York’s economy through innovative research and development.
Praise from SUNY Leadership
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commended McInnis’s new appointment, recognizing her exceptional contributions and the positive perception of Stony Brook among peer institutions. King expressed confidence in finding an outstanding successor to continue leading Stony Brook’s prestigious legacy.
Tributes to McInnis’s Tenure
Rich Gelfond, chairman of the Stony Brook Foundation and CEO of IMAX Corporation, highlighted McInnis’s impactful and strategic leadership, which brought numerous initiatives to fruition, marking a transformative period for the university.
Kevin Law, chairman of the Stony Brook Council, lauded McInnis for her adept leadership through the pandemic and other recent challenges, noting her role in steering the university to unprecedented heights.
Reflections from Maurie McInnis
Reflecting on her time at Stony Brook, McInnis expressed pride in the university’s achievements and optimism for its future. She emphasized the institution’s rising trajectory, marked by groundbreaking research and expanded opportunities for a diverse student body. McInnis acknowledged the efforts of the faculty, students, and staff, expressing confidence in the university’s continued success.
Conclusion
As Maurie McInnis prepares to take on her new role at Yale University, Stony Brook University looks forward to building on her legacy and continuing its mission of academic excellence, innovation, and social mobility. The search for a new president will begin soon, ensuring that Stony Brook remains at the forefront of higher education and research.
