Lois B. DeFleur is an
eminent sociologist and an experienced administrator.
As Binghamton’s president, DeFleur administers
a public research university with more than
13,500 undergraduate and graduate students.
The University includes the liberal arts programs
in Harpur College, four professional schools,
and associated masters and doctoral programs.
DeFleur, who took office
in 1990, has led the University through a period
of funding challenges while enhancing planning
processes and developing innovative programs.
Binghamton continues to recruit outstanding
undergraduate students with more than 90 percent
graduating in the top 20 percent of their classes.
New doctoral programs have been instituted in
nursing, education, management and several engineering
fields. An innovative general education program
for all undergraduates has been implemented
which includes many opportunities for studying
other cultures either on campus or in other
countries. The University is consistently highly
ranked nationally for its high quality education
and it has been named by the American Council
on Education and NAFSA as a model institution
for its comprehensive approach to internationalization.
DeFleur has significantly
enhanced University relationships with external
groups and has made fund raising a priority.
During her tenure as president, external support
has increased 400 percent and the University
has completed its first-ever comprehensive gifts
campaign. Faculty research awards have increased
80 percent and the University has also developed
programs that contribute to state and regional
economic development. Important programs include
the Watson School’s Integrated Electronics
Engineering Center, the federally funded Trade
Adjustment Assistance Center, and the High Technology
Commercialization Center.
The University also
continues its significant physical expansion
with the construction of academic as well as
student residential facilities. The $33 million
multipurpose Events Center recently opened and
an additional $120 million in projects is planned.
 President
DeFleur is an avid pilot and the owner of a
Comanche 260.
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