SUNY Geneseo 14th President Melinda Treadwell opening address
The Geneseo community gathered in excitement to welcome the college’s new president
Photo courtesy of The Geneseo Website
Geneseo students taking a picture with President Treadwell, featuring her signature non-fat flat white latte with no added sweetener. This editor of The Lamron has yet to try it.
On Oct. 28, 2025, members of the SUNY Geneseo community gathered in the MacVittie College Union (MCU) Ballroom from 3:00pm to 4:00pm to welcome the newly arrived president to the college in true Knight fashion—with a loud and heartfelt banquet reception. This reception was filled to the brim with students, staff, and faculty who made this transition from Dr. Denise Battles to Dr. Melinda Treadwell possible, bringing the broader SUNY and local communities together to celebrate the hopeful future of the university.
Before the reception began, those in attendance lined the walls of the MCU’s second and third floors, displaying blue pompoms and inviting smiles to greet the incoming president. Following this grand introduction, those gathered began to head into the ballroom, where they had the opportunity to sign a welcome book and a chance to mingle over some light refreshments. This provided those in attendance with the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Treadwell one-on-one and get to know the new president prior to her opening address. Staff of The Lamron report that Dr. Treadwell was “very friendly” and open to learning about all those she interacted with.
Staff of The Lamron report, following this brief period, the reception began with an introduction from Dr. Mary Toale, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Geneseo. Dr. Toale has served as the officer-in-charge during the interlude between Dr. Battles and Dr. Treadwell, taking on the executive role following Battles’s departure. Throughout Dr. Toale’s speech, she sprinkled in lyrics from various Radiohead songs, Dr. Treadwell’s favorite band. Including “Everything in Its Right Place” —as a sign of optimism towards Geneseo’s new president and good faith. Dr. Toale went on to speak about Dr. Treadwell’s understanding of Geneseo as a liberal arts college— something Dr. Treadwell would echo herself later on— emphasizing that Dr. Treadwell “embodies our ideals.” Dr. Toale expressed her confidence that Dr. Treadwell will only increase the college’s “standing and collaborative efforts.”
Before Dr. Treadwell spoke, Lucas Pastwik, the President of the Student Association, referred to Dr. Treadwell as the “standout candidate” throughout the Presidential Search. He stated that he is “enthusiastic and optimistic in [Dr. Treadwell’s ability to] lead Geneseo into [the] next chapter.” Before leaving the podium open to Dr. Robert Doggett, Chair of the College Senate, Pastwik announced the new “President’s Cup”: Dr. Treadwell’s go-to Starbucks drink—a non-fat flat white latte with no added sweetener—which is now available to purchase from the MCU Starbucks.
Following this, Dr. Doggett spoke about the campus community: our values, the embracement of diversity and experiences, and how we all “care deeply about this community.” Dr. Doggett expressed his excitement about Dr. Treadwell’s presidency, stating that it is the “beginning of a terrific partnership” and echoed the previous two speakers' optimism for the incoming president.
Entering the MCU Ballroom stage, Dr. Treadwell made her first impression a memorable one, taking a selfie with Geneseo’s one and only Victor E. Knight. President Treadwell began her speech saying, “It is truly my honor to be here with you today,” and adding a brief story about the horrors of traveling in a U-Haul from New Hampshire to Geneseo.
From here, President Treadwell went on to discuss how impressed she was by Geneseo’s community during the interview process and how she viewed Geneseo as an “aspirational peer,” citing her awareness of Geneseo during her Keene State presidency. The core of this comparison was the two institutions’ shared membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). She added that the values of this campus are ones all higher education liberal arts institutions hope to mirror.
During her speech, Dr. Treadwell expressed her excitement to take on this role, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to “build on the momentum of this institution,” and she reinforced how the “public liberal arts is the most important secondary education” in a day when people question its value. She looked at Geneseo for its quality of work; the students it attracts and supports; and the faculty. She is looking forward to pursuing and building upon this excellence by “modeling equity-centeredness” during her presidency.
Concluding her speech, President Treadwell thanked everyone who made it all possible, and emphasized that she believes in Geneseo and our legacy moving forward, and that it is a team effort—we will do it together, finishing by saying, “Let’s enjoy some community together!”
Following Dr. Treadwell’s first speech as Geneseo’s President, The Lamron had the opportunity to have a quick chat with her, during which she mentioned that she will be walking around campus and that she is very excited to learn more about the student population. encouraging students to “please introduce yourself” whenever you see her!
The Lamron also spoke with Dr. Michael Taberski, Vice President for Student and Campus Life, who voiced his eagerness for Dr. Treadwell to step into this role, stating that she is “very well respected in higher education” and a welcomed change to the campus. Additionally, The Lamron spoke with Chip Matthews, Director of Student Life, about his thoughts on Dr. Treadwell’s presidency. During the conversation, Matthews commented on Treadwell’s spirit, saying he “feels a sense of energy and a sense of kindness” to her, noting that we need people “setting a tone of community and belonging” in our contemporary society.
While this opening address served as an avenue for the broader Geneseo community to connect with SUNY Geneseo’s 14th president, it also provided an intimate opportunity for peers to come together and discuss their hopefulness, not just for this university, but for the broader liberal arts landscape, led by people like Dr. Treadwell.