Empire State University Launches New Colleges, Welcomes Deans
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — July 1, 2025) Empire State University officially launches five new colleges today, July 1. The move, which sees the university’s existing academic units transition from schools to colleges as part of a strategic restructuring, represents two years of planning and stakeholder engagement.
According to Rai Kathuria, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the long-awaited reorganization enables SUNY Empire to “strengthen our academic infrastructure, integrate our approach to student success, and position the university for continuous improvement.”
“The transition from schools to colleges marks an exciting new chapter in our university’s evolution, reflecting our commitment to expanding opportunities and promoting a collaborative academic environment,” he said.
With this new academic structure comes a new era of leadership. The university acknowledges the longstanding dedication and service of its five outgoing deans—Nicola Allain, Desalyn De-Souza, Maureen Kroning, Audi Matías, and Mary Mawn—while also welcoming new ones. Three educators have joined SUNY Empire as inaugural deans: Carol DeNyscchen as the dean of the College of Health and Human Services, Ju Kim as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs as the dean of the College of Education. Two dean roles have been filled by current employees. Julie Gedro, who has been dean of SUNY Empire’s School of Business since 2020, now serves as dean of the College of Business while Gina Torino, formerly the interim dean of the university’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, has been newly appointed the dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
“We warmly welcome our college deans, whose leadership will be pivotal in guiding us through this dynamic period of growth and innovation,” Kathuria said.
Here, the leaders share in their own words their visions for their respective colleges.
Carol DeNysschen
Dean of the College of Health and Human Services
“I am honored to join Empire State University as dean of the College of Health and Human Services. My vision is to foster a vibrant community of educators and staff dedicated to developing inclusive, flexible, and innovative programs. These programs will expand access for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of diverse communities. I envision the college as an anchor for forward-thinking education—responsive to the evolving needs of society and foundational to strong, purpose-driven careers in health and human services.”
Julie Gedro
Dean of the College of Business
“My vision is to position the College of Business as a leader in delivering rigorous and accessible business education that equips learners to navigate complexity, lead with integrity, and achieve meaningful career growth. We are building an academic environment grounded in professional relevance. Our students will engage with curricula that are informed by real-world challenges, global trends, and evolving workforce needs. I want our graduates to view their credentials not merely as steppingstones for career development, but as evidence of lifelong potential. They will leave our college prepared to lead, adapt, and contribute—whether in corporate, entrepreneurial, nonprofit, or public service settings.”
Ju Kim
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
“I am honored and excited to serve as the inaugural dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Empire State University. At the heart of my vision for the new college is a bold commitment to uniting the liberal arts with science and technology. By integrating the creative, critical, and analytical strengths of the humanities, arts, and sciences, the new college will prepare diverse students not just for jobs, but for the future. In an age shaped by artificial intelligence, our students will graduate with the adaptability, ethical grounding, and interdisciplinary skills to lead in any field.”
Gina Torino
Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
“As inaugural dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, my vision is to lead a dynamic and inclusive academic community that directly addresses workforce development needs, preparing our students for immediate career success. We will accomplish this by providing relevant programs such as psychology, public policy and administration, labor studies, criminal justice, and others, all while cultivating an inclusive environment in which every voice is valued. Our commitment is to provide high-quality online education and culturally responsive support, enabling our graduates to effect positive change and make a significant contribution to their chosen fields and communities.”
Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs
Dean of the College of Education
“The College of Education will be a leader in innovative approaches to education programs and certifications. I look forward to working closely with the faculty in the college to continue to build and grow as we meet the ever-changing demands and challenges in B-12 education. Together, we are committed to equipping educators with the tools students need to succeed in today’s dynamic educational landscape. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable to a wide range of learners, ensuring that every student can thrive. The flexibility of our online format provides educators with the opportunity to enhance their skills and advance their careers, all while balancing the demands of their professional and personal lives. ”