News Release: SUNY New Paltz on Breakfast Agenda

    SUNY New Paltz President Dr. Darrell Wheeler and Kristin Backhaus, Dean of the college’s School of Business and Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement, will speak at the next breakfast meeting of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 11 and discuss the college’s desire to grow closer to the business community.
    The breakfast, scheduled for 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at The Venue Uptown at the Best Western Plus in Kingston, is sponsored by Rondout Savings Bank. The Kingston School District Choir will help kick off the season with a special selection of holiday favorites.
    Wheeler and Backhaus will discuss SUNY New Paltz’s implementation of its strategic plan, current collaborations with the business community, and the university’s commitment to fostering new ideas and partnerships in critical inquiry, innovation, and community impact.
    President Wheeler said he plans to discuss many of SUNY New Paltz’s innovative programs, including the Hudson Valley Venture Hub, which announced the appointment of Bailey Burke as its new interim director over the summer.
    Wheeler, who was appointed the ninth president of SUNY New Paltz in July 2022, served in the U.S. Air Force and earned degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, and Cornell College. Before coming to SUNY New Paltz, he held various positions at Iona University, the University at Albany, Loyola University Chicago, Hunter College, CUNY, Columbia University, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 
    Backhaus has served as the Dean for the School of Business since 2015 and has held various positions since joining SUNY New Paltz in 1986.
 
 
    Chamber Breakfast Meetings are a great way to stay on top of current events and connect with other local business leaders. Reservations are required. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door for Chamber members ($45 for non-members). For more information, contact the Chamber at (845) 338-5100 or go online at www.ulsterchamber.org.