College Council

College Council members are appointed by the governor. They advise the college's senior administration and provide valuable assistance for problem-solving and for identifying sources of expertise beyond the campus community. They also advocate for the college in a variety of ways. The ACT Handbook outlines the obligations of an appointed Council member.

College Council meets twice in the fall semester, and twice in the spring semester. According to an executive order, these meetings are recorded.

If you require accommodations for equal access to this event, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services via email at access@geneseo.edu, or call 585-245-5112 at least one week prior to this event.

College Council Members

Vacant, Chair

Ms. Melisza Campos '01

Dr. A. Gidget Hopf '72

Dr. Judith Hunter

Rachel Laber Pulvino ’10

Mr. Joe Leathersich '14

Lucas Pastwik, Student Association President '26

Ms. Holly Salatel '87 '88

Mr. Christian Valentino, Esq. '95 P'29

Ms. Jill Yonkers, Esq. '96

Upcoming Meetings

The College Council will meet on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. (in-person). Each College Council meeting is open to all, and will be streamed live on the web (below). Check back on this page for the live stream.

Meeting Agendas

December 5, 2025 Agenda

College Council Meeting Agenda: December 5, 2025

Milne Multipurpose Room A, December 05, 2025, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

1:00 PM: Call to Order

Approval of the minutes of October 07, 2025

1:05 PM: Guest Presentation

Innovations and Updates from Campus Auxiliary Services

Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Mathew Felthousen, Executive Director of Campus Auxiliary Services

1:50 PM: Student Association (SA) Report

Lucas Pastwik ’27

2:00 PM: College Senate Report

Robert Doggett

2:10 PM: President’s Report

Melinda Treadwell

2:55 PM: Chair’s Report

Christian Valentino ’95 P’29

By 3:15 PM: Adjournment

October 7, 2025 Agenda

College Council Meeting Agenda: October 7, 2025

Virtual, October 07, 2025 8:30–10:00 a.m., Public Viewing Location Available: Doty Hall, 302e

8:30 AM: Call to Order

Approval of the minutes of April 11, 2025 and July 22, 2025

8:35 AM: Student Presentations

Undergraduate Research on Deep-Sea Fishes at SUNY Geneseo

Rowan Considine ’27

Sam Canter ’25

Emily McMahon ’23

8:55 AM: Student Association (SA) Report

Lucas Pastwik ’27

9:05 AM: College Senate Report

Robert Doggett

9:15 AM: Officer-in-Charge’s Report

Mary C. Toale

9:50 AM: Chair’s Report

Christian Valentino

By 10:00 AM: Adjournment

Special Meeting: July 22, 2025 Agenda

College Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 22, 2025

Virtual July 22, 2025 5:00–6:00 p.m.

5:00 PM: Call to Order

5:00 PM: Executive Session

It is anticipated that the Chairman of the Council will call for a motion to convene an Executive Session under provisions

of Section 105 of Article 7 of the Public Officers Law.

By 6:00 PM: Adjournment

April 11, 2025 Agenda

College Council Meeting Agenda: April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025, 1:00–4:00 p.m., Milne Library Multipurpose Room

1:00 PM: Call to Order

Approval of the minutes of February 28, 2025

1:05 PM: Cabinet, Faculty/Staff and Student Presentations

Presidential Search Overview

Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff

Guided by Purpose: Our Mission, Vision, and Values and the Presidential Search

Kerri Howell, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Rodmon King, Chief Diversity Officer

Presidential Scholars: Exemplifying Geneseo’s Values

Mary Toale, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Makayla French ’25

Abigail Miller ’25

Rachel Ntor ’25

Alexis Ochs ’25

Q&A For All Presentations

2:05 PM: Student Association (SA) Report

Orquidia Geraldino ’25

2:15 PM College Senate Report

Robert Doggett

2:25 PM: President’s Report

Denise Battles

3:10 PM: Chair’s Report

Robert Wayland-Smith

3:40 PM: New Business

Resolution

By 4:00 PM: Adjournment

February 28, 2025 Agenda

College Council Meeting Agenda: February 28, 2025

Virtual Meeting, February 28, 2025 1:00–4:00 p.m., Public Viewing Location Available: Doty Hall, Room 302e

1:00 PM: Call to Order

Approval of the minutes of December 06, 2024

1:05 PM: Executive Session

2:05 PM: Cabinet, and Faculty/Staff

The Geneseo Leadership Journey – Leaning Into Our Future

Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance & Administration

Julie Briggs, Associate Vice President for Human Resources

Pam Connor, Associate Executive Director & Business Officer, Campus Auxiliary Services

Students

Harboring Professional Skills Through Title IX Internship Experience

Destiny Pichardo ’25

Orquidia Geraldino ’25

Q&A For All Presentations

3:05 PM: Student Association (SA) Report

Orquidia Geraldino ’25

3:15 PM: College Senate Report

Robert Doggett

3:25 PM: President’s Report

Denise Battles

3:50 PM: Chair’s Report

Robert Wayland-Smith

By 4:00 PM: Adjournment

Meeting Minutes

Special Meeting: July 22, 2025 Minutes

College Council Special Meeting Minutes: July 22, 2025

Virtual

Present:

Judith Hunter
Holly Mullin
Lucas Pastwik
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith
Jill Yonkers

Staff:

Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff

Guests:

Greg Duyck, WittKieffer
Zulaika Rodriguez, SUNY
Melody Rose, WittKieffer

Call to Order

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. A quorum was present.

Chair Wayland-Smith called for a motion to go into executive session. The motion was passed.

Executive Session

The executive session concluded and Chair Wayland-Smith reported that the executive session was held to discuss the names of candidates under consideration to become the next president of Geneseo. No action was taken.

There was no further business. Chair Wayland-Smith called for a motion to adjourn.

The meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m.

Wendi Kinney, Recording Secretary

April 11, 2025 Minutes

College Council Meeting Minutes: April 11, 2025

Milne Library Multipurpose Room

Present:

Orquidia Geraldino
Gidget Hopf (remote)
Judith Hunter
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith
Jill Yonkers

Staff:

Denise Battles, President
Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Carolyn Campbell, Interim Vice President for College Advancement (virtual)
Rob Doggett, College Senate Chair
Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Rodmon King, Chief Diversity Officer
Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff
Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Mike Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life
Mary Toale, Provost

Guests:

Makayla French, student
Abigail Miller, student
Rachel Ntor, student
Alexis Ochs, student
Lucas Pastwik, student

Call to Order

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m.

The minutes of the February 28, 2025 meeting were approved.

Cabinet/Faculty/Staff/Student Presentation

Presidential Search Overview

Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff

Kinney offered an overview of the presidential search process. The college’s and council’s roles within the system-level search was reviewed. Council members can expect to be invited to participate in the committee’s final deliberations, to receive an unranked list of acceptable candidates, and to be convened in a special session to select those candidates to be advanced to the System from which the next president will be selected.

Guided by Purpose: Our Mission, Vision, and Values and the Presidential Search

Kerri Howell, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
Rodmon King, Chief Diversity Officer

Howell and King reminded the council of the institution’s mission, vision, and values. The council was engaged in a discussion about what is meaningful to them about these values, as well as how these values can be central principles even as they may be challenged by external forces. As we seek the next president, some questions to be considered were proposed.

Presidential Scholars: Exemplifying Geneseo’s Values

Mary Toale, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Makayla French ’25
Abigail Miller ’25
Rachel Ntor ’25
Alexis Ochs ’25

Toale facilitated a question and answer session with four of the college’s Presidential Scholars on the various ways the college’s mission, vision, and values have impacted their Geneseo experience. The students also shared what characteristics they would like the next president to possess.

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

Student Association Report

Geraldino was joined by incoming SA president Pastwik in sharing the Student Association’s spring updates. The referendum passed, as well as the fee increase proposal, with a record level of student participation. The SA is seeking to advocate at the system-level for an increase in the student activity fee cap, which has remain unchanged for eight years. The SA election results were shared and upcoming coming events were highlighted.

College Senate Report

Doggett shared that the Senate has continued work on revisions to the promotion and tenure policies and procedures to simplify and clarify the process and recognize the full range of faculty work. There are constitutional amendments under consideration to clean up inconsistencies and incorporate the addition of the dean of arts and sciences structure. Doggett and Toale are exploring ways to increase participation in shared governance roles. Doggett thanked Valentino for his efforts with the presidential search and the positive response to the listening sessions. Further, he shared that a task force is drafting guidelines regarding the responsible and critical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

President’s Report

President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.

Campus Leadership Recruitment

President Battles announced that Dr. Agya Boakye-Boaten has been named the inaugural Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Strategic Planning Update

President Battles updated Council members on recent developments that advance the strategic plan. Enrollment and student success data was reviewed. Updates related to various campus construction projects were also shared. The Milne Library ribbon cutting is scheduled for April 25, 2025 and the Sturges Hall project has entered phase II with a target completion of AY2026-27. The comprehensive campaign now sits at 95% of goal. We will celebrate our Campaign Close Event as part of Reunion Weekend.

Selected College Updates

KnightNet and branding initiatives related to the honors college designation were highlighted.

Accolades

Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and college achievements, awards, and recognitions.

The President offered final thoughts and words of appreciation as she concludes her final meeting with the College Council.

The President entertained Q&A from College Council.

Chair’s Report

Chair Wayland-Smith offered remarks on the accomplishments of President Battles during her 10-year tenure at Geneseo.

New Business

Chair Wayland-Smith presented a resolution recognizing the service of President Battles. The Chair moved that the Council adopt the resolution as presented. The motion was moved and seconded. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 3:14 p.m.

Denise A. Battles, President

Wendi Kinney, Recording Secretary

February 28, 2025 Minutes

College Council Meeting Minutes: February 28, 2025

Virtually via Zoom

Present:

Orquidia Geraldino
Gidget Hopf
Judith Hunter
Holly Salatel
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith
Jill Yonkers

Staff:

Denise Battles, President
Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Carolyn Campbell, Interim Vice President for College Advancement
Rob Doggett, College Senate Chair
Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Wendi Kinney, Chief of Staff
Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Mary Toale, Provost

Guests:

Julie Briggs, Vice President for Finance & Administration
Pamela Connor, Associate Executive Director & Business Officer, Campus Auxiliary Services
Destiny Pichardo, student

Call to Order

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.

The minutes of the December 6, 2024 meeting were approved.

Chair Wayland-Smith motioned to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter related to the presidential search. The motion was seconded and approved. The Council entered executive session at 1:03 p.m.

The executive session concluded at 2:00 p.m. No action was taken.

Cabinet/Faculty/Staff/Student Presentation

The Geneseo Leadership Journey – Leaning Into Our Future

Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance & Administration
Julie Briggs, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Pam Connor, Associate Executive Director & Business Officer, Campus Auxiliary Services

A few years ago, Council viewed a presentation about the pilot program for the Leadership Journey. Today’s presentation offers an update on the evolution of this professional development program. Briggs reviewed the framework used to guide the program content. There are four, one-year phases to the cohort program. Phase 4 is currently under development.

Connor presented the project work completed by one cohort to establish a functional organizational chart as an example of the project component of the Leadership Journey.

This program has been presented at the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA). Keys to success such as program champions and cabinet-level support were highlighted. It is anticipated that the program will continue to evolve and explore new pathways for professional development.

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

Students: Harboring Professional Skills Through Title IX Internship Experience

Destiny Pichardo ’25
Orquidia Geraldino ’25

Presenters provided an overview of the work carried out by the Title IX Office and their experience as interns in the office. Internship experiences enable students to utilize existing skillsets; acquiring new skills; gain experience working with real-life situations; prepare for post-graduate work; and promote creativity and critical thinking skills. Other skills developed include public speaking, collaboration, and listening.

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

Student Association Report

Geraldino shared the Student Association’s efforts in spreading the word about the referendum through classroom visits and a variety of activities. They have launched a scavenger duck hunt activity in collaboration with WGSU radio and held a club competition using social media. As a result of the SA Public Relations Chair’s efforts, the SA’s social media engagement has increased dramatically. The SA is hopeful that voting will result in a passed referendum and approval for the proposed $16 student activity fee increase.

College Senate Report

Doggett shared that the Senate has been working on a revision of the faculty constitution due to the addition of the Dean of Arts and Sciences position, necessary editorial clean up needs, and to ensure alignment between the document and practices. Senate is also updating the forms used for faculty tenure and promotion. Doggett reports positive student morale and that employees have expressed support for our student well-being, especially during this time of great change at the national level. Doggett shared that the tradition of the open forum during search processes is strong at Geneseo and urges the Council and presidential search committee to ensure campus involvement as much as possible within the guidelines of the representational search model.

There was further discussion with Council members regarding the representational search model.

President’s Report

President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.

Introducing Our New Interim Vice President for Advancement

Dr. Carolyn Campbell began her service on February 13, 2025.

Strategic Planning Update

President Battles updated Council members on recent developments that advance the strategic plan. Progress highlights include the International Baccalaureate initiative; expansion of summer programming and events; planning for athletics upgrades; and continued momentum related to campus construction. Our comprehensive campaign is now at 92.7% of goal.

Accolades

Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and college achievements, awards, and recognitions.

The President entertained Q&A from College Council.

Chair’s Report

Chair Wayland-Smith thanked Dr. Battles for her College report. The Chair acknowledged the importance of the presidential search and expressed appreciation for Battles’ service to Geneseo.

The next meeting will be on April 11, 2025 from 1:00-4:00pm in Milne Multipurpose Room.

The meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m.

Denise A. Battles, President

Wendi Kinney, Recording Secretary

December 6, 2024 Minutes

College Council Meeting Minutes: December 6, 2024

Virtually via Zoom

Present:

Melisza Campos
Orquidia Geraldino
Judith Hunter
Holly Salatel
Christian Valentino
Robert Wayland-Smith
Jill Yonkers

Staff:

Denise Battles, President
Julie Buehler, Vice President for Finance and Administration
Rob Doggett, College Senate Chair
Kerri Howell, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Ellen Leverich, Vice President for College Advancement
Heather Overholt, Assistant to the President
Christie Reed, Administrative Assistant to the President
Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life
Mary Toale, Provost

Guests:

Solangel Almonte, Student
Krissie Barsema, Associate Director of Student Life
Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist
Amanda Cruz, Student
Margaret Foster, Enrollment Operations and Technology Director
Sarah Frank, Director of Residence Life
Chip Matthews, Director of Student Life
Samuel Scamardo, Student

Call to Order

Chair Wayland-Smith called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.

The minutes of the October 4, 2024 meeting were approved.

Cabinet/Faculty/Staff/Student Presentation

Embracing the First Generation Experience at SUNY Geneseo

Costas Solomou, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Margaret Foster, Enrollment Operations and Technology Director
Lisa Bishop, Enrollment Specialist
Sarah Frank, Director of Residence Life
Chip Matthews, Director of Student Life
Krissie Barsema, Associate Director of Student Life
Amanda Cruz ’25
Samuel Scamardo ’27
Solangel Almonte ’27

Presenters provided an overview of the programs, activities, and services offered to support first-generation college students at Geneseo and heard from three first-gen students about their experiences. The strategic goals of this initiative are: onboarding, belonging, and affordability. Some of the resources provided to first-gen students include a living learning community, college lingo glossary, focused orientation programming, and community-building social gatherings.

The presenters entertained Q&A from College Council.

Student Association Report

Geraldino shared that the officers of the Student Association are busy promoting the referendum vote in March. The referendum, which occurs every 2 years, is when students affirm their commitment to paying the mandatory student activity fee. The fee funds a wide range of SA supported events and activities. The SA is also encouraging the student body to run for executive leadership positions for the 25-26 academic year.

College Senate Report

Doggett shared that senate endorsed a series of SUNY University Faculty Senate resolutions, including a resolution on contingent and term faculty contracts. Doggett commended the leadership of the President and Provost in establishing open lines of communication with shared governance and willingness to be open to feedback and being adaptable.

President’s Report

President Battles shared a variety of institutional updates.

Introducing Our New Chief Diversity Officer

Dr. Rodmon King began his service on November 7, 2024.

Enrollment Update

Data related to our Fall 2024 enrollment were shared.

Strategic Planning update

President Battles updated Council members on recent developments that advance the strategic plan. Progress highlighted includes increases in Pell recipient enrollment, first-gen student enrollment, and retention of both first-year and transfer students. Campus construction continues apace with the soft opening of Milne Library and the anticipated opening of the Brodie Café in early 2025. The Comprehensive Campaign has now raised $39M, 86.8% of goal.

Academic Affairs Updates

A search for the inaugural dean of the School of Arts and Sciences is underway, as is the search for the next dean of the School of Education. As part of academic portfolio optimization, it is anticipated that the Art History major will be sunset effective fall 2025. Additionally, several academic disciplines will unite in the coming year creating opportunities for synergies and efficiencies.

Financial Update

Aggressive funding advocacy continues and we remain focused on financial sustainability strategies. Campus reserves were applied to operating costs in the last fiscal year. Space utilization progress continues, with an increase in summer campus programming. The State University Construction Fund is continuing to invest in Geneseo infrastructure improvements.

Accolades

Battles highlighted a few of the many recent faculty, staff, student, and college achievements, awards, and recognitions. Battles also acknowledged and thanked Chair Wayland-Smith for his 25 years of service to the College Council.

The President entertained Q&A from College Council.

Chair’s Report

Chair Wayland-Smith thanked today’s presenters and invited Council members to submit topics of interest for future meetings to the President’s Office staff. Chair Wayland-Smith also acknowledged Councilmember Valentino for agreeing to serve as chair of the presidential search committee and Councilmembers Hopf, Salatel, and Yonkers for serving on the committee.

The meeting adjourned at 2:47 p.m.

Denise A. Battles, President

Wendi Kinney, Recording Secretary

Video Stream

Meeting video streams will be available below.