Empire State University Welcomes First Dean of Students 

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY—August 28, 2025) Melissa Aponte’s goal as Empire State University’s first dean of students is to help students find their home and their people. 

“I want them to feel that they belong, that this is the space for them,” Aponte said. “Whether it’s learning a new skill, growing in leadership, or connecting deeper in their career, I want them to find their place, or at least have an opportunity to try something new or explore something they have never tried before.” 

Having been a first-generation student herself, Aponte resonates with Empire State University’s goal to make higher education accessible to all.  

“The fact that there’s so much recognition and acknowledgment of prior work experience or experience in the military, I think that’s really valuable – and so important to students that they’re not [viewed as] empty slates,” she said. 

Aponte has worked with students at a variety of institutions, such as Borough of Manhattan Community College, Iona University, and Rochester Institute of Technology. She mentioned that she is excited to come into a brand new role at SUNY Empire and make it her own, bringing her wealth of experiences with her.  

“I’m hoping that through listening to and learning what the students need and want and understanding the needs of the university, I’ll be able to bring my unique take on that to fill in the needs of the university and the student population,” she said.  

She remarked that SUNY Empire’s student population and online format will be different from her past experiences in higher education. 

“I’m excited to work with the student population at SUNY Empire,” she said. “I am so drawn to working with the non-traditional student population, and I’m also eager for the challenge to work with a predominantly remote online population.” 

Aponte’s experience in expanding student engagement opportunities, connecting with community partners, and building relationships are all things she wants to carry into her role at SUNY Empire. Particularly, she said, “enhancing student leadership potential” through clubs, organizations, and student government. 

“Having student support services and engagement opportunities is important because it helps students navigate,” she said. “I always felt like my role in all the things I’ve done is to help connect students.” 

Two of Aponte’s focus areas will be within the Health and Wellness and Career Services realms. While she has experience guiding both, she is excited to grow them and explore how they interact in an online university environment. She noted successful initiatives already in the works, and how she hopes to help Career Services further expand internship opportunities for students.  

“I feel humbled by the opportunity to be able to serve the students of Empire State University,” Aponte said. “I am here to serve the strategic goals of the institution, and I deeply believe in serving the needs of who I’m supporting.”