SUNY Geneseo President Denise A. Battles is pleased to announce that Michael Taberski, EdD, has been named vice president for student and campus life. His appointment, effective July 9, concludes a national search for the cabinet-level position.
Taberski will lead the student and campus life administrative team, who are engaged in providing an array of dedicated services that support SUNY Geneseo’s on- and off-campus students.
Taberski brings nearly 20 years of experience in higher education. He is currently serving as the vice president of student affairs at New England College (NEC) in Henniker, NH, a private liberal arts, doctorate-granting institution. NEC is noted for its highly diverse student body, where more than a third of the students identify as a person of color.
While at NEC, Taberski founded the college’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which included specific student programs to increase the retention of traditionally underserved and first-year students. He was also instrumental in making improvements to student support programs, revitalizing the college’s emergency management plan, and improving town/gown relationships.
Before his position at NEC, Taberski served as the dean of students at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD, and as assistant director of student life at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, MD, among other appointments at institutions in Oklahoma and Virginia.
“I’m very pleased that Mike will be joining us at SUNY Geneseo in this key senior leadership position,” said Battles. “His extensive experience in student life at liberal arts institutions will be greatly beneficial to the most important members of our campus community, our students.”
Taberski earned his EdD at New England College in higher education administration. He received a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in educational leadership—college student development, and a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University in criminology and criminal justice.
“I could not be more excited to join the SUNY Geneseo community,” Taberski said. “It is clear that Geneseo is on a strong path, even in these challenging times, and I am ready to join the leadership team in continuing to develop and enhance the student experience. Most importantly, I look forward to arriving, meeting the rest of the community, and becoming a Knight as my service to SUNY Geneseo begins.”