MIDDLETOWN, N.Y– Likkia Moody, director of SUNY Orange’s Newburgh campus, recently presented a capstone research project about strengthening the College’s Eastern Orange County campus’s identity and leadership during a formal ceremony concluding her participation in the State University of New York (SUNY) Black Leadership Institute cohort for 2025.

Selected as one of eight participants, from a pool of more than 100, Moody’s presentation was delivered Oct. 9 at the H. Carl McCall SUNY building in Albany.

SUNY Orange President, Dr. Kristine Young, nominated Moody with support of the College’s vice-presidents and said, “Since 2015, I have had the privilege of working closely with Likkia Moody and watching her grow as a leader. From the moment I asked her to lead our Newburgh campus, she has carried one of the most complex and ever-changing roles at SUNY Orange with grace, creativity, and a deep commitment to service.

“Her leadership has shaped not only the daily experience of students and employees but also the long-term direction of the campus. I have relied on her judgment and insight on critical initiatives, including co-chairing the College’s Strategic Planning Committee. She guided a team of administrators and shared governance representatives in creating an internal white paper that shaped the future direction of instruction and services at the Newburgh campus. She approaches every challenge with intelligence, care, and determination, and to support her continued professional growth, I nominated her to the SUNY Black Leadership Institute,” Young added.

“As she completes this fellowship, it affirms the tremendous potential I have always known she possesses and the impact she continues to make. I am confident this experience will translate into lasting impact for both her and SUNY Orange.”

Asked to share an overview of the main takeaways she will use in her own leadership, Moody said, “The professional coaching and mentorship has helped me develop and refine my voice as a leader which has been immensely valuable to my professional development. I also have a deeper understanding of the SUNY system overall as well as more in-depth knowledge of the roles of higher levels of responsibility including demystifying the role of college president.”

One specific example Moody gave included participating in a two-day retreat to a caucus event in Albany. “This eye-opening experience included special presentations and conversations around minoritized people. I sharpened my advocacy skills, specifically in delivering meaningful elevator pitches focused on the unique needs of my institution.”

Moody has served as director of SUNY Orange’s Newburgh campus since 2017, overseeing daily operations, coordinating academic, administrative and student services, and guiding long-range planning. She co-led the MSCHE Reaffirmation Working Group and serves ex officio on the Committee for Institutional Diversity and Equity and Planning & Budgeting for Institutional Effectiveness. She is SUNY Orange’s institutional representative to the New York ACE Women’s Network and a board member for Safe Harbors on the Hudson.

A Poughkeepsie native and Poughkeepsie High School graduate, Moody previously held student affairs roles at Marist University, The Sage Colleges and East Carolina University, where she also taught first-year students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biopsychology from Russell Sage College and a master’s degree in school psychology from Marist University.

“Completing this jam-packed program while remaining focused on my role has felt like a whirlwind,” Moody smiles. “But it has boosted my confidence by making my knowledge more robust and well-rounded. I learned the best ways to leverage my own strengths to better serve the College and SUNY. I have a better understanding of the financing needs of a community college and the differences we have compared to four-year colleges including governance.”

Moody’s completion of the SUNY Black Leadership Institute highlights her ongoing commitment to building inclusive, student-centered experiences at SUNY Orange. Her journey reflects the College’s mission of transforming lives through education and leadership, and it serves as an invitation for others to discover the opportunities, community and support that SUNY Orange provides.