SUNY Appoints Dr. Joseph C. Hoffman as Acting President of SUNY Canton

CANTON, NY (05/07/2013)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 7 appointed Dr. Joseph C. Hoffman as Acting President of SUNY Canton effective June 1.

Dr. Hoffman has worked at SUNY Maritime since 1977, serving as a mathematics and computer science professor and was named a distinguished teaching professor in 2001. He also served as the college's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs from 2006 to 2012.

"Dr. Hoffman comes to SUNY Canton with an extensive history as a powerful and productive campus leader at SUNY Maritime College since 1997," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. "The students, faculty, and staff at SUNY Canton are certain to benefit from Dr. Hoffman's experience and leadership as acting president."

Dr. Hoffman earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from SUNY Maritime College in 1975. He went on to earn a master's degree in mathematics from Adelphi University in 1977, and he received his doctorate in education from LaSalle University in 1998. The SUNY Board of Trustees awarded him the distinguished teaching professor title in 2001. He also served as a lieutenant in the Naval Reserve from May 1975 to August 1992.

"I am honored to be chosen as acting president of SUNY Canton," Dr. Hoffman said. "The College has a strong reputation in many areas, and I look forward to leading the campus."

Dr. Hoffman will replace Dr. Carli C. Schiffner, who has served as Interim President since September 2012. Dr. Schiffner will step down as interim president May 31 to become Vice President of Instruction at Wenatchee Valley College in Washington State.

"I would like to thank President Schiffner for her hard work and leadership," Dr. Hoffman said. "I hope to build upon her efforts and continue to lead the College in a positive direction."

Dr. Schiffner said Dr. Hoffman was an exceptional choice to lead SUNY Canton into the future.

"We're delighted and excited to have Dr. Hoffman join the SUNY Canton community," Dr. Schiffner said. "With his background at SUNY and his familiarity within the colleges of technology sector, Dr. Hoffman will be able to make an easy transition to SUNY Canton and will no doubt be successful."

Dr. Hoffman, and his wife, Nancy, are both natives of Long Island. She will be joining him in his move to Canton.

"Nancy and I are looking forward to becoming members of the SUNY Canton community," Dr. Hoffman said "And we look forward to living in the North Country."

In his nearly 36 years at SUNY Maritime, Dr. Hoffman has chaired two Middle States Commission on Higher Education steering committees, leading to successful reaccreditation efforts. He also led the campus' strategic planning efforts in 2011 and had participated in previous strategic planning efforts. Dr. Hoffman is a delegate on the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization, representing the International Association of Maritime Universities. He has co-authored two books, co-founded the Maritime Academic Council which consists of deans from all six State Maritime Academies. Dr. Hoffman also worked from 1980 to 2006 at Adelphi University, University College for Adults, serving as an adjunct instructor and chair for the Mathematics and Computer Information Systems Department.

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor's degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor's degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III as well as the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-