Please join us for the inauguration of Melinda Treadwell, SUNY Geneseo’s 14th President on Friday, October 23, 2026. Inauguration Week will feature a series of events celebrating our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners. Additional details, including a full schedule of events and registration information, will be announced in the coming months.
About Melinda
Melinda Treadwell is SUNY Geneseo’s 14th president, bringing eight years of presidential leadership at Keene State College and a distinguished background as a toxicologist, public health policy advisor, and academic executive. A first-generation college student from Maine, she earned a PhD in pharmacology and toxicology from Dartmouth Medical School and has built her career around ethical decision-making and science-informed leadership. At Geneseo, she focuses on expanding access to the transformative power of public liberal arts education and building a bold, inclusive future for the College.
Directions
SUNY Geneseo is located in the Village of Geneseo, NY, roughly 30 minutes south of Rochester. It’s easy to reach Geneseo by car using Route 20A or NYS Routes 63 and 39.
FAQ
A formal, tradition-rich ceremony and series of events marking the investiture of a new president. An occasion that both honors the institution’s history and celebrates the beginning of an important new chapter in its future.
The celebration will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 in Wadsworth Auditorium. The ceremony will begin at one o’clock in the afternoon.
Yes, the celebration will be livestreamed. There will be a button on the main Geneseo page to direct you to the link on October 23.
All students, faculty, staff, alumni, emeriti, supporters and friends are welcome to attend the inauguration ceremony.
The celebration is expected to last about 90 minutes.
The investiture celebration is free and open to the public; however, guests will be required to reserve a ticket to attend. Ticket information and reservation details will be available soon.
SUNY Geneseo is committed to creating an accessible inauguration experience for all who attend. For specific needs, please contact accessibility services by calling 585-245-5112 or emailing access@geneseo.edu.
Attire depends on your role at the ceremony.
Processional participants: Wear your regalia attire for the ceremony. You may want to have a change of clothes for the reception afterward to ensure comfort. You will need to provide your own regalia.
General audience: Business casual attire is the recommended dress code.
Students, faculty, staff, emeriti, and alumni (not participating in the ceremony): Business casual is also recommended, but feel free to showcase your Geneseo Blue! It’s a special occasion, so dress appropriately while embracing your school spirit!
Media who wish to attend or report on SUNY Geneseo’s Presidential Inauguration events should email Monique Patenaude, Executive Director of Content Strategy & Media Relations, at comm-mark@geneseo.edu to request press credentials. Please include your name, media outlet, and coverage plans in your message.
For all additional questions, please contact us at inauguration@geneseo.edu in advance.
- Andrea Klein, chair, Student & Campus Life
- Christie Reed, President’s Office
- Keith Walters, marketing communications manager, Communications & Marketing
- Erin Crowell, visual brand manager, Communications & Marketing
- Betsy Harris, social media coordinator
- Chip Matthews, director of Student Life, Student & Campus Life
- Dani Drews, director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreation, Student & Campus Life
- Shane Cowdrick, assistant director of facilities maintenance, Facilities Services
- Kristin Andolina, head janitor, Facilities Services
- Brandy Rosas, catering manager, Campus Auxiliary Services
- Corey Ha, director of Milne Library, Academic Affairs
- Amanda McCarthy, director of Alumni Relations
- Clifton Harcum, director of Multicultural Affairs, Diversity & Equity
- Roxana Sammons, administrative assistant, Enrollment Management
- Rob Doggett, professor of English & Creative Writing, College Senate
- Colin Henley ’27, director of business affairs, Student Association