Stony Brook University has named Jennifer Almquist, PhD, chief of staff to President Andrea Goldsmith, effective August 18, 2025. Having served as the chief of staff to five presidents across two universities, Almquist brings to this role over two decades of experience in higher education and will serve as a key member of President Goldsmith’s leadership team.
Almquist will be instrumental in crafting and carrying out presidential priorities, overseeing complex, high-priority projects, and serving as a key partner in working with internal and external stakeholders, including all members of the Stony Brook community, the State University of New York (SUNY) system, local, state and federal government officials and various advocacy organizations.
Almquist joins Stony Brook from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) where she has served as chief of staff to the president and liaison to the board of trustees. In this role, she provided executive leadership across a broad portfolio including strategic planning, communications, board governance, state and federal government relations, university events, and cross-institutional initiatives. During her tenure at UNC, Almquist led the implementation of the university’s 10-year strategic plan, a comprehensive effort involving the engagement of a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and the design of metrics to monitor progress. She also played a pivotal role in the establishment of a new osteopathic medical college, helping to secure over $200 million in public and private funding and managing project team alignment and stakeholder engagement.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Almquist to Stony Brook University and my leadership team,” said President Andrea Goldsmith. “Jennifer is an exceptionally talented and visionary leader with an outstanding track record in strategic planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, governance and university operations. This background and experience, coupled with her collaborative team spirit, make her an invaluable partner in taking Stony Brook to new heights of excellence and impact across research, education, healthcare and service to our community, our great state, the country and the world. Our ability to attract such a talented leader validates the importance of our mission and our infinite possibilities going forward.”
Before her role at UNC, Almquist held administrative positions at Stanford University and the University of Michigan. She also served as the chief of staff to the president at Oregon State University where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Her PhD in Applied Anthropology, with a research focus on academic organizations, underpins her deep understanding of higher education institutions and their current challenges.
“I am incredibly excited to join Stony Brook University at this pivotal moment,” said Almquist. “The university’s vibrant intellectual community, its dedication to research, education and public service, and its commitment to diversity deeply resonate with me. I look forward to collaborating with President Goldsmith, the faculty, staff, students and community partners to advance Stony Brook’s strategic initiatives and amplify its impact as a national leader in public higher education.”
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