John B. King Jr. appointed as new SUNY chancellor

The SUNY Board of Trustees announced its selection of John B. King Jr. as the new SUNY Chancellor on Monday. 

King previously served as New York State education commissioner from 2011-15, making history as the first African American and Puerto Rican to hold the position.  

He went on to hold the position of U.S. deputy secretary of education and then secretary of education during the Obama administration. He currently serves as the president and CEO of The Education Trust, a non profit organization with a mission to break economic and racial barriers in education through policy.

King was deemed “an ideal leader for the SUNY system,” by Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement applauding the recent appointment.

“I am humbled and honored to accept the position of chancellor and to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s vision to make SUNY the best statewide system of public higher education in our nation,” King said, per a SUNY press release. “Public education quite literally saved my life when I lost both of my parents at a young age, and I have dedicated my professional career ever since to ensuring that every student has access to the academic opportunities that they need and deserve. I look forward to working with all members of our campus communities, lawmakers, and stakeholders to bring SUNY to new heights and maximize its potential.”

King will succeed interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley as SUNY’s 15th chancellor after the resignation of former SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras in January. 

Malatras announced his resignation in a letter to the SUNY Board of Trustees following controversy stemming from text messages that showed Malatras making “disparaging” remarks about Lindsey Boylan, the former economic development official who accused former Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harrasment. 

King is scheduled to begin his duties as chancellor on Jan. 17, 2023.

Morgan S.T. Ross is an assistant news/features editor and cen be reached at morgan.ross@ubspectrum.com

Kiana Hodge is an assistant news/features editor and cen be reached at kiana.hodge@ubspectrum.com

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