Recent Headlines
ESF’s Erin Tochelli Named to Inaugural Cohort of 24 Academic Momentum Campaign Faculty & Staff Fellows
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Feb. 10, 2026 — Associate Director of Academic Administration Erin Tochelli was named to the inaugural cohort of SUNY’s Academic Momentum Campaign Faculty and Staff Fellows by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. The Academic Momentum Campaign provides campuses financial support and technical assistance to strengthen student retention and completion rates.
The cohort includes 24 faculty and staff who will provide support to campuses implementing evidence-based strategies to increase college persistence and completion. The competitive application process resulted in the selection of individuals who represent all regions of the state and bring significant experience and expertise in the areas of structured advisement, degree mapping, course scheduling, early alerts, first-year experience, gateway course completion, teaching and learning, and other strategies to improve outcomes for students.
At ESF, Tochelli supports student access and success through holistic advising practices and collaboration across functional areas. She partners with the Registrar on academic processes and works with Student Affairs and Enrollment Management to support students and monitor enrollment trends. She also manages Academic Affairs and Undergraduate Coordinator committees.
“At SUNY, we are committed to the success of every student, and the Academic Momentum campaign will help SUNY campuses strengthen and accelerate student retention and graduation efforts,” said King. “With the inaugural cohort of Academic Momentum Campaign fellows and support to redesign gateway courses, the Academic Momentum Campaign is off to a strong start and building on initial successes that will benefit SUNY campuses and students.”
“Erin’s selection to SUNY’s inaugural Academic Momentum Campaign cohort reflects her expertise and dedication,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “This campaign is vital to strengthening student retention and success across ESF and throughout SUNY, and Erin’s leadership will help drive that work forward.”
The Academic Momentum Campaign was first addressed in the 2025 State of the University Address, and launched in fall 2025 to advance evidence-based student retention and success initiatives to support all SUNY students.
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 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 do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.