ESF Hosts SUNY Leaders to Advance Student Success Through Academic Momentum Campaign

07/17/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — July 17,2026 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) welcomed colleagues from the State University of New York (SUNY) to campus on July 13 to discuss ways to strengthen student success through SUNY's Academic Momentum Campaign, a systemwide initiative designed to help more students persist, progress, and graduate. Participating in the visit were Casey O'Brien, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Transformational Initiatives, and Bill Woodward, Director of Academic Momentum. The visit highlighted ESF's ongoing efforts to support student achievement and explored strategies to expand those efforts in partnership with SUNY.

ESF's participation in the Academic Momentum Campaign complements work already underway through the College's Student Success Data Council and other campus initiatives focused on improving student outcomes. Together, these efforts support ESF's commitment to creating pathways for student achievement and removing barriers to success.

"Student success is at the heart of ESF's mission," said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. "We were pleased to welcome our colleagues from SUNY and discuss ways to strengthen the support systems that help students thrive. The Academic Momentum Campaign aligns closely with our ongoing work to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed from enrollment through graduation."

The SUNY Academic Momentum Campaign focuses on key measures of student success, including first-year credit completion, success in gateway courses, FAFSA completion, retention, and graduation rates. During the visit, ESF leaders met with O'Brien and Woodward to discuss how the College can build on existing student success efforts through proactive advising, expanded academic support services, clearer degree pathways, increased course availability, and enhanced resources for first-generation students.

These strategies are designed to help students stay on track academically, overcome challenges before they affect progress toward a degree, and maintain stronger connections to the campus community. By providing timely support and reducing barriers to success, ESF aims to improve retention, increase graduation rates, and ensure more students achieve their educational and career goals.

"Every student's path is unique, and our responsibility is to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed," said Renee McNamara, Dean of Students and ESF Academic Momentum Campus Lead. "Student success is foundational to ESF's mission and the impact our graduates make in the world. The Academic Momentum Campaign gives us an opportunity to better understand where students may encounter challenges, strengthen our support systems, and create clear pathways that help students stay engaged, persist through graduation, and achieve their educational and professional goals."

"The SUNY Academic Momentum Campaign has provided a structure and goals to continue to expand the remarkable work already underway on campus to support student success, improve persistence, and cultivate the excellence we have come to expect from ESF graduates," said Erin Tochelli, Associate Director of Academic Administration, ESF Academic Momentum Campus Lead, and SUNY Academic Momentum Fellow. "The consortium of SUNY campuses offers an invaluable network of professionals working together to strengthen our approaches and to learn together, guided by the Academic Momentum Fellows and SUNY system leadership."

Through its participation in the Academic Momentum Campaign, ESF is partnering with SUNY to advance data-informed approaches that strengthen student outcomes and enhance the overall student experience. The initiative reinforces the College's commitment to helping every student persist, thrive, and graduate, prepared to make meaningful contributions in their communities and professions.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through the design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the Associate of Applied Science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study, and conduct research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across New York State.