Frederick E. Kowal has been re-elected as President of United University Professions (UUP), marking his fourth consecutive term. The vote took place on April 25 during UUP’s 2026 Spring Delegate Assembly in Albany, New York, where he received unanimous support from delegates. Kowal, who first took office in 2013, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized the importance of the union’s mission.
Speaking after his re-election, Kowal said, “I look forward to continuing the vital work of this Union for our Members, our students, our patients, and our communities. We will continue to fight for necessary funding for our cash-strapped campuses and for a strong, multi-year contract that ensures job security and protections, affordable health care, and salary increases for our Members.”
Alongside Kowal, Statewide Secretary-Treasurer Jeri O’Bryan-Losee and Membership Development Officer Patrick Romain were also elected unanimously, both running unopposed. Meanwhile, two new members joined the Statewide Executive Board: Brendan McGovern from Binghamton University and Matthew Smith from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
The UUP, with over 42,000 members, represents academic and professional faculty at 29 New York State-operated campuses. As the largest higher education union in the U.S., UUP works closely with other organizations such as the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Recently, a survey showed that union membership in the U.S. has been on the rise, with 70% of Americans supporting unions, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of collective bargaining in achieving fair wages and working conditions.
The ongoing challenges in education funding and job security highlight why strong leadership like Kowal’s is essential for navigating these issues. By focusing on collaboration and advocacy, UUP aims to secure better outcomes for its members and the communities they serve.
For more details, you can view the full report in the official press release.
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