Nigeria’s Peter Nwosu makes history as SUNY Oswego’s first immigrant President
Peter Nwosu
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
A historic milestone will take place on Friday, Sept. 27, as Peter O. Nwosu is officially inaugurated as the 11th president of the State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego).
The event marks the first time an African-born president and an immigrant will lead the 163-year-old institution.
Nwosu, a scholar originally from northern Nigeria, is set to bring a transformative vision to the university.
Tim Nekritz, Director of Communications, State University of New York, Oswego, USA, said the inauguration ceremony would be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena and Convocation Hall, named after the institution’s previous president.
He said for those unable to attend in person, the ceremony would be live-streamed on the university’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/sunyoswegovideo.
The event serves as the highlight of a weeklong celebration, including activities such as Founder’s Weekend, Green and Gold Day, the Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit, and the Return to Oz Reunion of Color. A new tradition will also be launched with the annual Sheldon Lecture on Leadership and Service. Full details on the week’s activities can be found on the university’s website.
Nwosu officially assumed his duties as president on Aug. 15, 2023. His historic appointment marks a new chapter for SUNY Oswego, where he is the first president of color.
Nwosu aims to continue the institution’s legacy of innovation by unveiling Vision 4040, a bold plan to double the number of degrees awarded by SUNY Oswego by 2040, while addressing the evolving needs of Central New York.
According to Nekritz, the inauguration would feature guest speaker Donald Taylor, an emeritus professor from California State University, Sacramento, and Nwosu’s educational mentor, adding that the event would also include musical performances and readings by students.
“This is a truly special occasion, the first presidential inauguration since Deborah F. Stanley in 1996,” said Mary Canale, Vice President for University Advancement and co-chair of the inauguration committee.
“President Nwosu has already impressed us with his vision and ability to connect with our students, alumni, and the wider community.”
“Inaugurating President Nwosu is the centerpiece of the week, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase all that SUNY Oswego offers,” added Rich Bush, associate professor and chair of the Technology Department, and fellow co-chair.
“Each day celebrates the achievements of our students, alumni, and the broader SUNY Oswego community.”
While classes will continue as scheduled, faculty members are encouraged to bring students to witness this historic event, according to organizers.
About President Peter O. Nwosu
A passionate advocate for access to high-quality education for diverse student populations, Nwosu has introduced Vision 4040: Expanding SUNY Oswego’s Promise, a strategic plan aimed at enhancing upward mobility and promoting regional economic development. The ambitious plan seeks to increase the number of degrees conferred by the university from 20,000 to 40,000 by 2040.
In honor of Nwosu’s inauguration, the university has launched the Transforming Lives Scholarship, which provides support for students to benefit from the transformative power of education. Alumni and members of the community are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship by visiting alumni.oswego.edu/transforminglives.
Nwosu’s distinguished career includes serving as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the City University of New York Herbert H. Lehman College, as well as similar roles at Clark Atlanta University and California State University, Fullerton. He holds a Ph.D. in communication studies from Howard University and has authored over 100 scholarly works.
He remains actively involved in several local, regional, and national boards, including the Oswego County Micron Strategy Steering Committee and the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the inauguration and the week’s events, visit oswego.edu/inauguration.
