Charles Infurna named Empire State University’s 2024-25 PRODiG+ Fellow
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – AUGUST 13, 2024) Empire State University is proud to announce that Charles Infurna, Ed.D., has been appointed as the 2024-25 PRODiG+ (Promoting Recruitment, Opportunity, Diversity, Inclusion and Growth) Fellow. This prestigious fellowship is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) initiative to increase the number of underrepresented faculty and allies selected for tenure-track positions. While at SUNY Empire, Infurna will serve as visiting assistant professor in the Department of Educational Studies.
Infurna most recently served as principal of North Hornell Elementary School. He also has more than a decade of experience coaching track and field throwing events at colleges throughout New York state. Infurna has also served as an associate at the University of Rochester Children’s Institute, where he conducted research on the self-efficacy of preschool teachers, classroom quality measures, student outcomes, and coach-athlete relationships, including psychological dynamics that influence athletic performance and wellbeing.
Infurna holds a bachelor’s degree in childhood education and a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction from SUNY Fredonia. He earned his Doctor of Education degree in executive leadership at St. John Fisher University.
“I am very excited to be welcomed into the education studies program at Empire State University,” Infurna said. “I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and supporting students who hope to explore careers in education.”
SUNY Empire Provost Rai Kathuria, Ph.D. said, “Charles Infurna brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning perfectly with our university’s values. PRODiG+ is a vital initiative that enhances diversity within the university. Adding Charles to our faculty is an exciting step forward in our continuing efforts to create an inclusive academic environment.”
Xiomara Giordano, SUNY Empire’s assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer, said, “This fellowship program is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our faculty ranks. It brings exceptional talent to our campus and strengthens our ability to provide diverse perspectives and role models for our students. I look forward to the contributions Charles Infurna will make in advancing equitable educational practices and preparing the next generation of educators at Empire State University.”
Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Robert Sanders, Ph.D., said, “Charles Infurna’s expertise in early childhood education, urban education, and inclusive teaching practices provide a strong foundation for creating inclusive and equitable classrooms across New York state. His own background as a first-generation student has provided him the firsthand experience in understanding the challenges often faced by children from diverse backgrounds. We appreciate SUNY’s investment in the PRODiG+ program, which helps us bring talented scholars like Charles to our university.”
Gina Torino, Ph.D., interim dean of SUNY Empire’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, added, “We are excited to have Charles Infurna join our faculty. He brings experience and a passion for supporting diverse student populations and advancing early childhood research.”
About Empire State University
Founded in 1971 as the innovative campus of the State University of New York, Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. We have decades of experience providing educational access through online teaching and learning, individualized instruction, mentoring, and prior learning assessment. We build on our students’ experiences to promote their growth and drive upward mobility and economic development in New York state and beyond. SUNY Empire’s 98,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. Visit www.sunyempire.edu and follow us on social media @SUNYEmpire.