Office of the President

Michael E. Steiper, PhD has been named the seventh president of SUNY Purchase.

The new President’s term began August 11, 2025.

President Michael E. Steiper wearing a tan suit with a white shirt and purple tie, smiling into the camera Credit: Kate Hart Finnegan

Meet Michael E. Steiper, PhD

SUNY Purchase, A Campus that Delivers Excellence and Access Across the Arts & the Liberal Arts & Sciences

SUNY Purchase is a rare gem in higher education: a campus where renowned conservatories and outstanding liberal arts and sciences programs come together to spark creativity, critical thought, and exploration. Simply put, we Think Wide Open!

SUNY Purchase is a dynamic and inspirational community where deeply engaged faculty and dedicated staff nurture the aspirations of our exceptionally talented students. Our graduates are acclaimed, influential, and successful artists, actors, thinkers, scientists, leaders, musicians, and beyond—truly the “Proof of Purchase.”

My commitment is to build on Purchase’s vibrant culture to advance our mission of access and excellence, expand student success and opportunity, and enhance Purchase’s impact and visibility across New York and beyond. Together with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, we will elevate Purchase ‘s impact and demonstrate the incredible value of a Purchase education, including the power that it provides us to meet the challenges of today!

And to those of you considering where to begin your own college journey, I encourage you to Think Wide Open and discover how Purchase’s nationally ranked programs across the arts and the liberal arts and sciences can enable you to find and pursue your passions, whether you want to create or to question, to perform or to experiment, or to explore or transform! Visit Admissions to learn more or schedule a tour.

Michael E. Steiper, PhD has been named the seventh president of SUNY Purchase.

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