President Vollendorf Named Trailblazer in Higher Education For Second Consecutive Year

(SARATOGA, NY — May 28, 2025) Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf was named to City & State New York’s annual list of trailblazers in higher education. The list spotlights higher education leaders whose efforts contribute to making New York state a center for higher learning. This is President Vollendorf’s second consecutive year being named to the list.

The article recognizes President Vollendorf, noting, “Since taking office in 2022 at Empire State University, Lisa Vollendorf has developed a new strategic plan and spurred rising enrollment at the institution. One of the fastest growing public universities in the state, Vollendorf has seen double-digit enrollment increases at Empire State. She has established the university as the only designated autism-supportive university in New York and positioned it to serve more military-affiliated students than any other SUNY school. She also launched the first Spanish-language online degree program in the SUNY system and has formed partnerships with corporations, labor unions and state agencies.”

Read City & State’s 2025 list of Trailblazers in Higher Education.