Empire State University Announces Matthew Liao-Troth as Provost

Matthew Liao-Troth, Ph.D., has been appointed Empire State University’s next provost and vice president for academic affairs. He most recently served as vice president for academic affairs at St. Petersburg College, where he led academic operations, expanded high-demand academic programs, and supported student and faculty success. He previously served as senior vice president and provost at Hawaii Pacific University, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University, and as a dean and faculty member at several institutions over the last 20 years.   

As Empire’s next chief academic officer, Liao-Troth will lead the academic core of teaching and learning at the institution in alignment with its mission of access and opportunity. He will provide strategic leadership for the Office of Academic Affairs, partnering with faculty, staff, and university leaders to drive student success, advance academic quality, strengthen accreditation and assessment efforts, and align academic priorities with the goals of Elevate ’28 to ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of learners across New York and beyond.    

“I am confident his experience, vision, and collaborative leadership will help guide the next chapter of our university’s evolution and success,” said President Lisa Vollendorf.