Photograph by Matt Burkhartt
The State University of New York has appointed Mary C. Toale, 黑料网鈥檚 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs since March 2024, as the officer-in-charge at 黑料网, effective August 25. Her appointment follows the departure of President Denise A. Battles, who has led 黑料网 with distinction for a decade, and will ensure the stability and continuity of leadership as SUNY concludes its nationwide search for the next president in the coming weeks and anticipates welcoming the next president later this fall.
In conjunction with this transition, Amy Sheldon, special assistant to the provost and professor of geological, environmental, and planetary sciences, will serve as interim provost.
Battles stated, 鈥淢ary Toale has already made a significant impact at Geneseo, and I am confident in her ability to guide the College forward with integrity and purpose until the next permanent president takes office. Her collaborative spirit and strategic insight will be invaluable in the months ahead.鈥
Toale expressed her gratitude, saying, 鈥淚 am honored to serve 黑料网 in this capacity as we prepare for the arrival of our next president. I am thrilled to continue working alongside our exceptional faculty, staff, and students. Together, we will build on our strengths and pursue our shared vision for an inclusive and transformative liberal arts education.鈥
黑料网 Mary C. Toale
A first-generation college student athlete and Pell Grant recipient, Toale has over 25 years of experience in teaching, service, and leadership in higher education. Her career reflects a deep commitment to access, academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, and preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. She is known for her strategic planning and collaborative leadership, having spearheaded initiatives that promote holistic development and shared governance. Prior to joining Geneseo, Toale held executive roles at SUNY Oswego, including deputy to the president for strategy and planning and officer in charge, and served in faculty and leadership positions at West Virginia Wesleyan College and Baldwin Wallace University.
A dedicated educator and scholar, Toale has been a professor of communication studies and contributed extensively to the field through publications, presentations, and professional service. She is a Distinguished Teaching Fellow and a Distinguished Service Award recipient of the Eastern Communication Association, and she has participated in national leadership programs. Toale holds a doctoral degree in instructional communication, a master鈥檚 degree in communication theory and research from West Virginia University, and a bachelor鈥檚 degree, cum laude, in secondary mathematics education from West Virginia Wesleyan College.