For the past several months, members of the Presidential Search Committee at SUNY Farmingdale have been interviewing and reviewing several applications from candidates looking to obtain the position of president at the college. This is the second consecutive year that the school has been looking for a new president. The committee had conducted a presidential search last year, but did not elect anybody to fill the position.

Starting in early October, members of the search committee began to review candidates' institutional profiles and training and examine credentials. Throughout January, the committee continued to review credentials and check references, and by the end of January the committee decided on a selection of candidates to be called in for preliminary interviews.

Last month, the committee began its preliminary interviews and selected five candidates for consideration by the SUNY Farmingdale College Council. In mid-February, the College Council selected three finalists, and proceeded to take them on campus visits to meet with the campus community. The final decision is scheduled to be made by the end of this month, possibly sooner.

Mary Fallon, chairman of the search committee, said that there has been great progress made throughout the last two months. SUNY hired Dr. Elaine H. Hairston, senior consultant with Academic Search Consultation Service, who worked to develop a strong pool of candidates for consideration. A total of 59 people were nominated for the position and 32 responded affirmatively by submitting their credentials for consideration. According to Fallon, this is a very good response rate and evidences the capacity of SUNY Farmingdale to attract a strong new president.

Prior to receiving applications, SUNY Farmingdale placed a notice on the school's website to invite candidates to apply for the position. The notice stated that the school is searching for a leader; somebody who will bring a freshness of thought, innovation and solid academic leadership experience to the realization of the school's mission. In addition, the notice more specifically stated that the college is seeking someone who is an articulate advocate who can work effectively and successfully within complex political, social and educational environments, as well as relate well to students, staff and faculty and empower their engagement in the fulfillment of the campus mission.

Students at SUNY Farmingdale have expressed that the one person who carries and acts upon all those traits is the current acting president, Dr. Michael Vinciguerra, who is also a candidate for the position. In a recent issue of the school's newspaper, The Rambler, students clearly state that "Dr. V." is the most popular candidate and the best one for the position.

According to SUNY Farmingdale's Student Government Association's Vice President Chae Yi, a senior at the college, Vinciguerra has "proven himself in the eyes of the student body and has earned [their] respect. He has done a great job as acting president."

The article reported that Vinciguerra frequented open meetings, various campus organizations and has established a respected repertoire with both students and faculty. "He prides himself in Farmingdale and believes in it; to him it's not just another job," said Yi.

Dr. Vinciguerra was appointed acting president of the school following the 1999 retirement of Dr. Cipriani. He began his academic career at SUNY Farmingdale in 1970. He served as acting president previously from January through May of 1999, and has served as provost and professor of chemistry since 1987. In addition, he has served as vice president for academic affairs from 1982-1987 and served for several other college departments.