SUNY Poly interim president Wang leaving for job at Ohio State

“While I look forward to this exciting opportunity, I am proud of the honor I have had serving as SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s interim president, working with you to advance this incredible institution,” Wang said in her Friday statement. “Together, we maintained strong enrollment at SUNY Poly, even during the historic COVID-19 pandemic, during which we have steadfastly prioritized the health and safety of our entire community. We successfully facilitated initiatives focused on innovation, including critical high-tech business partnerships, and have worked hard to provide the best academic and research offerings. I am so proud of the work we have accomplished during the last two-and-a-half years.”

In a separate Friday statement, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said Wang informed him Thursday evening that she is stepping down from her role as interim president and as SUNY’s senior vice chancellor for research and economic development.

“Interim president Wang has made a positive impact on SUNY, especially SUNY Poly. Along with former interim president Dr. Bahgat Sammakia, Grace led SUNY Poly’s enrollment gains and significant progress making SUNY Poly the center of technology innovation, which has attracted business partnerships, and thereby job opportunities for more New Yorkers and further economic development,” Malatras said. “She has also helped coordinate SUNY’s response in COVID-19 testing, research, and personal protective equipment production in our fight to contain the coronavirus. We will be announcing a new acting president of SUNY Poly shortly. My thanks to Dr. Wang and best wishes to her as she moves on later this semester.”

SUNY announced Wang as SUNY Poly’s interim president on June 14, 2018. SUNY Poly operates campuses in Marcy, near Utica, and in Albany.