Exciting Changes and a Fond Farewell at SUNY Empire

The past several months have brought meaningful change to Empire State University’s European hub in Prague. As the newly appointed Director of European Programs, I have had the privilege of witnessing the vitality and promise of our academic community.

This period of transition has also been a time of reflection and gratitude for individuals whose contributions have shaped our journey:

We were deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Dr. Ronnie Mathers, a respected educator and mentor. Dr. Mathers guided hundreds of students through their senior theses and left a lasting legacy through his dedication to teaching and student success.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Sheila Aird, who retired after eight years of service as Director of European Programs. Her leadership played a key role in strengthening the university’s presence in Europe and expanding opportunities for students and faculty.

Looking ahead, Empire State University is entering an exciting new phase. With more than 100,000 alumni worldwide, the university continues to strengthen connections with graduates and explore new ways to foster alumni engagement.

Our academic community is also growing through the involvement of distinguished faculty members whose expertise enriches our curriculum. Recent highlights include visiting professors and upcoming intensive courses focused on areas such as crisis intervention and humanitarian response, offering students valuable opportunities for specialized learning.

Throughout these developments, our commitment to academic excellence, international collaboration, and intellectual exchange remains central. Empire State University and the University of New York in Prague continue to cultivate an environment where students, faculty, and alumni can thrive together.

We look forward to building on this strong foundation and embracing new opportunities in global education.

Written by Todd Nesbitt

Written by

Todd Nesbitt