Stony Brook University has appointed Jennifer Almquist as chief of staff to President Andrea Goldsmith, with her term beginning on August 18, 2025.
Almquist brings more than twenty years of experience in higher education, including eight years in senior strategic and advisory positions. She will join President Goldsmith’s cabinet and act as a senior advisor on various internal and external matters. In her new role, Almquist will help advance the university’s mission and priorities by overseeing major projects and serving as the main point of contact for key stakeholders such as the State University of New York (SUNY) System, the Stony Brook Council, and advocacy groups.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Almquist to Stony Brook University and my leadership team,” said Goldsmith. “Jennifer is an exceptionally talented and visionary leader with an outstanding track record in strategic planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, governance and university operations. This background and experience, coupled with her collaborative team spirit, make her an invaluable partner in taking Stony Brook to new heights of excellence and impact across research, education, healthcare and service to our community, our great state, the country and the world. Our ability to attract such a talented leader validates the importance of our mission and our infinite possibilities going forward.”
Almquist previously served as chief of staff for five university presidents at two different institutions. Most recently she was chief of staff at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where she also acted as liaison to the board of trustees. Her responsibilities there included leading efforts in strategic planning, communications, board governance, government relations at both state and federal levels, university events coordination, and cross-campus initiatives.
She has also held similar roles at Oregon State University along with administrative positions at Stanford University and the University of Michigan.
“I am incredibly excited to join Stony Brook University at this pivotal moment,” said Almquist. “The university’s vibrant intellectual community, its dedication to research, education, and public service, and its commitment to diversity deeply resonate with me. I look forward to collaborating with President Goldsmith, the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance Stony Brook’s strategic initiatives and amplify its impact as a national leader in public higher education.”
While at UNC, Almquist led implementation for a ten-year strategic plan that involved broad participation from stakeholders inside and outside the institution. She helped establish a new osteopathic medical college there by helping secure over $200 million in funding from public and private sources while managing project teams.
Almquist holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University. Her doctorate is in applied anthropology with research focused on academic organizations.
