Santos-Smith Named a 2026 SUNY Leadership Institute Fellow

Assistant dean for strategic initiatives Joanna Santos-Smith ’14, ’15 (SUNY Geneseo photo)

Joanna Santos-Smith ’14, ‘15 MSEd, EdD, assistant dean for strategic initiatives at SUNY Geneseo, was named a fellow in the 2026 cohort of SUNY’s Leadership Institutes, strengthening Geneseo’s leadership presence within the SUNY system. Twenty-nine faculty and staff from 20 campuses will be participating in the programs.

SUNY’s Leadership Institutes are designed for faculty and administrative professionals from all backgrounds on a leadership trajectory at their respective institutions who are committed to supporting the success of all students, including those who experience significant barriers to higher education. These activities are designed to support participants’ professional growth throughout their leadership journeys. “I applaud these fellows for their dedication to uplifting every SUNY student, and I know that they will serve as an inspiration to students, faculty, and staff alike,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.

Santos-Smith’s career includes leadership roles focused on access, equity, and student success, such as directing rural campus operations and implementing community-based programs. Her work is informed by research on alternative programming and developmental education, emphasizing the removal of barriers for underrepresented and underserved learners.

In her current role, Santos-Smith leads efforts to expand nontraditional programming, including youth camps, adult education, and workforce development, creating innovative pathways for lifelong learning. A first-generation college graduate, Santos-Smith earned her doctorate in educational administration from the University of Rochester and holds M.S.Ed. and B.A. degrees from SUNY Geneseo.