Exciting Leadership Change: Dean Andrea Goldsmith Set to Take the Helm as President of Stony Brook University

Andrea Goldsmith has been named the next president of Stony Brook University, starting on August 1, 2025. The SUNY Board of Trustees announced her appointment during a meeting on February 19.

Goldsmith is currently the dean of Princeton University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, a position she has held since September 2020. Before that, she was at Stanford University. During her time at Princeton, she has seen significant growth in the engineering department. The faculty size has increased by 29%, Ph.D. enrollment by 31%, and undergraduate enrollment by 22%. Sponsored research funding also rose by 24%, reaching $90 million annually.

She played a key role in launching the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute and several interdisciplinary research initiatives in areas like robotics, blockchain, wireless technologies, and artificial intelligence. Goldsmith has emphasized corporate engagement and entrepreneurship, starting programs that aim to address societal challenges through innovative ventures. Notably, she helped bring the HAX start-up accelerator to New Jersey and supported the establishment of a statewide AI Hub at Princeton. Her leadership also oversaw the construction of two new engineering buildings, set to open in October.

Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber praised Goldsmith, stating, “She is a bold, visionary leader committed to academic excellence.” He expressed gratitude for her contributions to Princeton and wished her success at Stony Brook.

Goldsmith reflected on her time at Princeton with pride, acknowledging the collective efforts of university leaders, faculty, students, and alumni. She expressed enthusiasm for applying her experiences to her new role at Stony Brook, describing the university as having great momentum and a strong legacy.

As a leader in wireless communications, Goldsmith holds 38 patents and founded two successful companies. She is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Academy of Engineering and the Royal Academy of Engineering in the U.K. Goldsmith is the first woman to receive the Marconi Prize, a top honor in telecommunications, and she is an IEEE Fellow as well as a recipient of the IEEE Education Medal.

Goldsmith has also advised the federal government on science and technology policy, focusing on the need for diverse backgrounds in engineering to foster innovation.

Meanwhile, Provost Jennifer Rexford will lead a search committee to find Goldsmith’s successor as dean of engineering, aiming to have a new dean in place by the start of the next academic year.