Dr. Katherine Sinsabaugh and Dr. Stephanie Compasso-Geyer

Dr. Katherine (Katie) Sinsabaugh and Dr. Stephanie Compasso-Geyer of SUNY Orange have been selected as fellows in the New York State Community College Leadership Academy, a professional development program that prepares community college professionals for expanded roles.

The academy brings together colleagues from community colleges across New York State to examine challenges in higher education, exchange ideas and develop strategies that advance institutional goals and student success.

Sinsabaugh, who has served SUNY Orange for 18 years as an adjunct instructor, tenured faculty member and education department chair, was nominated by Dr. Erika Hackman, provost and vice president for academic affairs and student services. Hackman cited Sinsabaugh’s contributions to shared governance, academic planning and work with other institutions.

She co-chaired a Middle States self-study committee and has worked with colleagues at neighboring SUNY two- and four-year institutions to redesign programs and improve transfer pathways. She also served for several years as the Faculty Council of Community Colleges (FCCC) alternate delegate, representing faculty interests in shared governance at the SUNY System level.

“Dr. Katie Sinsabaugh is deeply committed to the community college mission, our students and our role in our community,” Hackman said. “She is an excellent educator, mentor and colleague. She leads with integrity, emotional intelligence and authenticity, and I am genuinely thrilled to support her continued leadership development.”

Looking ahead to the academy, Sinsabaugh said she hopes to gain new perspectives and bring ideas back to SUNY Orange.

"I'm honored and excited to participate in the SUNY Community College Leadership Academy. I welcome the opportunity to learn alongside colleagues from across the SUNY system. I believe effective leadership requires self-reflection and a willingness to continually learn and grow. Through this experience, I hope to bring meaningful ideas back to SUNY Orange that will ultimately benefit our students,” Sinsabaugh said.

Dr. Jean Leandre, vice president for workforce, strategy and innovation, recommended Compasso-Geyer, executive director of workforce development, for the academy to broaden her expertise and expand her understanding of issues facing community colleges.

“Stephanie was an easy choice for the Leadership Academy because she consistently demonstrates the qualities we want to cultivate in emerging leaders—thoughtfulness, initiative, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to strengthening both the student experience and the institution. She is someone who not only leads within her area of responsibility, but also looks beyond it, asks the right questions, and is willing to take on new challenges. I believe the Academy would provide Stephanie with the occasion to develop her leadership capacity further while also allowing SUNY Orange to benefit from the energy and experience she brings to the table,” Leandre said.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with other community college leaders, gain new perspectives and continue developing my leadership skills,” Compasso-Geyer said. “I'm particularly looking forward to bringing what I learn back to SUNY Orange to help strengthen our programs, increase opportunities for students and support the College's mission.”

Hackman views participation in the academy as an important part of SUNY Orange’s strategy for preparing faculty members to take on broader institutional roles. The College has been represented in every cohort to date, and she believes the experience will help both fellows gain a broader understanding of the SUNY System and build relationships with colleagues across the state.

The fellows’ participation reflects SUNY Orange’s investment in faculty and staff who can contribute to the College’s direction, foster collaboration across institutions and help advance student success.