SUNY Chancellor Zimpher Recommends Appointment of Johanna Duncan-Poitier

Albany - State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today announced she is recommending to the SUNY Board of Trustees that Ms. Johanna Duncan-Poitier be appointed as the Chancellor's Deputy for the Education Pipeline of the State University of New York.

Subject to approval by the SUNY Board, Ms. Duncan-Poitier's appointment will be effective Oct. 15, 2009.

Ms. Duncan-Poitier currently serves as the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education P-16 for the New York State Education Department, overseeing the educational quality and accountability for 700 school districts, 270 colleges and universities and 434 proprietary schools.

In her position as the Chancellor's Deputy for the Education Pipeline of SUNY, Ms. Duncan-Poitier will provide leadership and coordination for all matters involved with the educational pipeline, defined as the educational experience of all learners from early childhood through K-12, post secondary and workforce development. 

During Chancellor Zimpher's recently-concluded tour of all 64 campuses, the subject of strengthening SUNY's role in all levels of education was a frequent topic of discussion.

"SUNY trains many of New York's teachers and administrators and with Johanna's experience, creativity and dedication, SUNY graduates will have an even greater impact on education in our state," said Chancellor Zimpher.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to work with Chancellor Zimpher to strengthen partnerships that will position the University as a state and national leader in improving educational opportunities for all students. I look forward to meeting with the SUNY Board of Trustees to discuss how we can build systems from birth through careers to help all levels and sectors of education," said Ms. Duncan-Poitier.

Ms. Duncan-Poitier will serve as the University’s representative with P-12 education leaders and professionals with a state, national and international scope. She will also serve as SUNY's liaison with representatives of other higher education sectors.

Ms. Duncan-Poitier earned a baccalaureate degree at Queens College and a Master's in Public Administration at Bernard M. Baruch College. In addition to over 20 years of leadership experience within the State Education Department, Ms. Duncan-Poitier also held leadership positions for more than 10 years within the City University of New York (CUNY).   She has been recognized for her accomplishments with state and national awards.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating some 440,000 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

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Ms. Duncan-Poitier will earn a salary of $220,000 per year and will be provided with an automobile from the university vehicle pool.