'Purpose, Joy, Gratitude': Stony Brook University’s New President Begins Tenure

STONY BROOK, NY — Andrea Goldsmith officially began her tenure as the seventh president of Stony Brook University on Monday.

In a press release, the organization called Goldsmith a "distinguished leader in engineering, higher education and innovation."

Stony Brook said her tenure kicks off "after months of engaging with faculty, students, staff, healthcare professionals, alumni and partners" across all of Stony Brook’s campuses.

"My heart is filled with absolute joy,”" said Goldsmith. "The warmth and energy of the Stony Brook community have been both exhilarating and inspiring. I am honored to lead this extraordinary university and to build on its powerful legacy of innovation, impact and inclusion."

According to the release, Goldsmith is the first woman to serve as engineering dean at Princeton University and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Her entrepreneurial spirit and academic achievements make her uniquely suited to guide Stony Brook through a period of opportunity and transformation in higher education, the statement said.

"While the landscape of higher education is changing rapidly, I believe these challenges open the door for bold, forward-thinking action," she said. "Stony Brook is exceptionally positioned to thrive—driving upward mobility, groundbreaking discovery and societal impact locally and globally."

The statement said the new president's leadership is "grounded in a strong belief in community. She praised the university’s culture of support, inclusion and pride calling it 'the heart of Stony Brook’s success.'"

"The students I’ve met are not only deeply grateful for the education they receive but feel a true sense of belonging," Goldsmith said. "That is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and alumni in fostering an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential."

Goldsmith and her husband, Arturo, have recently settled into the presidential residence at Sunwood. With her children living nearby in New York City, she described the transition as "a homecoming."

As she steps into her new role, Goldsmith looks ahead with optimism and resolve, the statement said.

"I’m ready to take the helm of this outstanding university, with pride in our achievements and great ambition for the future," she said. "With purpose, joy and gratitude, I look forward to all that lies ahead."