Alfred State College President Dr. Skip Sullivan announced his retirement Monday, effective June 2021. 

Sullivan joined Alfred State as the college’s 12th president Jan. 2, 2014, and was inaugurated Oct. 10, 2014. Sullivan said he was stepping down from his post at the SUNY school “with mixed emotions.” 

“Alfred State College has been an extraordinary place to work,” Sullivan said. “My wife and I have met and engaged with wonderful faculty and staff. Additionally, we have hosted hundreds of great students in our home. Working with alums of ASC has been one of the many highlights of my time here. Presidents are often remembered for their contributions, but frankly I want to be remembered as being student-centered.” 

Sullivan said making the decision now, more than half a year before he plans to depart the college, will help the school conduct the search for his successor while simultaneously navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“My announcement comes at a difficult time in the college’s history, and I am fully committed to see the college through these difficult times,” Sullivan said. “Additionally, by announcing now, it allows SUNY to establish a search committee that will allow the interviews and adequate time to appoint a successor by summer of next year.” 

Sullivan’s tenure has seen multiple major renovation efforts on the Alfred State campus, both in Alfred and Wellsville. The school also recently committed to expanding with a presence in the City of Hornell in Steuben County, pending a successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding application to the state.