Stony Brook University has named Jennifer Almquist chief of staff to President Andrea Goldsmith, effective August 18, 2025.
Almquist brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, including eight years in executive-level strategic and advisory roles, and will serve as a key member of President Goldsmith’s cabinet.
As chief of staff, Almquist will serve as President Goldsmith’s senior strategic advisor and counselor on a wide range of internal and external issues, ensuring the university’s vision, mission, and priorities are realized. She will be instrumental in carrying out presidential priorities, overseeing complex, high-priority projects, and serving as the president’s primary liaison with key internal and external stakeholders, including the State University of New York (SUNY) System, the Stony Brook Council, and various advocacy organizations.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Almquist to Stony Brook University and my leadership team,” said Goldsmith. “Jennifer is an exceptionally talented and visionary leader with an outstanding track record in strategic planning and execution, stakeholder engagement, governance and university operations. This background and experience, coupled with her collaborative team spirit, make her an invaluable partner in taking Stony Brook to new heights of excellence and impact across research, education, healthcare and service to our community, our great state, the country and the world. Our ability to attract such a talented leader validates the importance of our mission and our infinite possibilities going forward.”
Almquist joins Stony Brook having served as the chief of staff to five university presidents across two universities. She comes directly from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), where she has served as chief of staff to the president and liaison to the board of trustees. In this capacity, she has provided executive leadership across a broad portfolio including strategic planning, communications, board governance, state and federal government relations, university events, and cross-institutional initiatives. She previously served as chief of staff to the president at Oregon State University and has held administrative positions at Stanford University and the University of Michigan.
“I am incredibly excited to join Stony Brook University at this pivotal moment,” said Almquist. “The university’s vibrant intellectual community, its dedication to research, education, and public service, and its commitment to diversity deeply resonate with me. I look forward to collaborating with President Goldsmith, the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance Stony Brook’s strategic initiatives and amplify its impact as a national leader in public higher education.”
During her tenure at UNC, Almquist stewarded the implementation of the university’s ten-year strategic plan, a comprehensive effort involving the engagement of a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and the design of metrics to monitor progress. She also played a pivotal role in the establishment of a new osteopathic medical college, helping to secure more than $200 million in public and private funding and managing project team alignment and stakeholder engagement.
Almquist earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University. Her PhD in applied anthropology, with a research focus on academic organizations, equipped her with a strong command of the landscape of contemporary higher education institutions.
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