MCC Daily Tribune
Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco Appointed as the 16th President of the State University of New York at Buffalo
Dr. Genco Returns to Buffalo After Serving as Provost at Tufts University
Albany, NY — The State University of New York Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to name Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco as president of the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Genco currently serves as provost and senior vice president at Tufts University, and is a SUNY alumna, having earned her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia after growing up in Buffalo. The appointment is effective on or about August 10, 2026.
During today's meeting, the SUNY Board of Trustees and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commended Dr. Satish K. Tripathi, who has served as the State University of New York at Buffalo's 15th president since his appointment in 2011. Under Dr. Tripathi, an internationally recognized researcher and higher education leader, the State University of New York at Buffalo achieved significant growth in research and scholarly activity, elevating the university's stature as a premier public research university. In honor of his service, the SUNY Board of Trustees today adopted a resolution appointing Dr. Tripathi as President Emeritus and University Professor.
The State University of New York at Buffalo is a leading public research university, recognized across the nation and the globe. The university is a Carnegie-classified R1 institution and was the first public university in the state invited to join the Association of American Universities, which includes institutions – both public and private – that are driving research and innovation for the public good. The university is continually ranked highly for its academic programs and is a top performer on social mobility for graduating students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
"Buffalo has long been a powerhouse for research and innovation, from New York's first cell and gene therapy hub at Roswell Park to Empire AI, and Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco brings the knowledge, vision, and deep Buffalo roots needed to lead SUNY Buffalo into its next great chapter," said Governor Hochul. "Her vast experience and understanding of world-class research will strengthen SUNY Buffalo's impact across Western New York, and help drive opportunity, discovery, and growth for students, families, and the entire region."
"The State University of New York at Buffalo stands as one of SUNY's premier research and academic institutions, and I am proud to welcome Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco as its next president. Dr. Genco has built a career as an academic and research leader who strives to provide opportunities for students and faculty," said SUNY Chancellor King. "I want to thank President Emeritus Tripathi for his leadership and service. Under President Emeritus Tripathi's tenure, Buffalo expanded its research, innovation, and academic programs, becoming a leader in conducting cutting-edge research that improves our lives, health, and safety."
The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco as the next president of the State University of New York at Buffalo. We also want to extend our gratitude to President Emeritus Tripathi for his decades of leadership and service to the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his dedication to our students. We look forward to working with Dr. Genco to build on the university's legacy as a driver of academic excellence and innovative research within the SUNY System."
Dr. Genco said, "The State University of New York at Buffalo is an exceptional institution and I am truly honored to be appointed the next president. My sincerest thanks to Chairman Tisch and all members of the SUNY Board of Trustees, Chancellor King, and the members of the State University of New York at Buffalo Presidential Search Committee for this opportunity to serve both the exceptional students, faculty, and staff at the university, as well as the wider Buffalo community, where I grew up. I am excited to build on the university's strengths, and the tremendous work of President Emeritus Tripathi, to continue to move the State University of New York at Buffalo forward into a bold future."
Jerry Jacobs Jr., chair of the Presidential Search Committee and the UB Council, said, "Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco stood out in an outstanding group of candidates – a pool that included academicians at the heights of their careers. Our search committee was particularly impressed by Dr. Genco's prioritization of student and faculty success, her unwavering commitment to integrity, and her vision for UB's bright future. The search process and the strength of the field of candidates reinforced that the University at Buffalo is a global destination for excellence, poised to do even greater things under Dr. Genco’s leadership."
Dr. Sunil Kumar, who is Tufts University's 14th and current president, said, "Over the past three years, I have seen Dr. Genco have a steadfast commitment to furthering Tufts' goals by supporting every aspect of the university's education, research, and civic engagement mission, and keeping the best interests of the faculty, staff, and students at heart. While this is bittersweet news for us at Tufts, I congratulate her for this remarkable achievement and for returning home to her roots. We wish her and the University at Buffalo all success."
Dr. Anthony P. Monaco, who served as the 13th president of Tufts University, said, "Dr. Genco has an incredible track record of championing higher education—as a strategic leader and an excellent scientist. She inspires those around her to succeed, and fosters research and learning environments where students, faculty, and staff thrive. It is my pleasure to congratulate Dr. Genco as she embarks on this new journey, and I am excited to see how her leadership helps the State University of New York at Buffalo reach new heights."
Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "I’m proud to welcome Buffalo native Dr. Caroline Genco back to Western New York as the next president of the University at Buffalo—the first woman to serve in this role. A graduate of Buffalo's Mount St. Mary Academy, SUNY Fredonia, and the University of Rochester, Dr. Genco has done it all in academia as an educator, a highly regarded researcher, and an accomplished administrator. She brings significant leadership experience that will benefit UB students and faculty and its stellar academic and research programs. I look forward to working with Dr. Genco to continue laying the foundation for UB and Western New York's future success."
Congressman Tim Kennedy said, "Congratulations to Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco on her appointment as the next President of the University at Buffalo. As a proud SUNY Fredonia graduate with deep roots in Western New York, Dr. Genco brings an extraordinary record of academic leadership, groundbreaking research, and a steadfast commitment to student success. The University at Buffalo is a cornerstone of our region's economy, a driver of ground-breaking innovation, and a source of immense pride for Western New York. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Genco to advance opportunities for students, support world-class research, and ensure UB continues to be a national leader in higher education. I wish her every success as she begins this exciting new role."
Congressman Nick Langworthy said, "Congratulations to Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco on her selection as the next President of the University at Buffalo. As a Western New York native, first-generation college graduate, accomplished researcher, and proven academic leader, she is uniquely qualified to build on UB's tremendous momentum and further strengthen its role as a driver of innovation, opportunity, and economic growth across our region. This is a big win for UB and the greater SUNY community and I look forward to working with her as she leads New York’s flagship public research university into its next chapter."
Congressman Joe Morelle said, "The University at Buffalo is a national leader in research and innovation, and Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco is the right person to serve as University President and build on that momentum. A proud URochester alumna, Dr. Genco's career has been defined by excellence in research and academic leadership, and she is uniquely positioned to help UB advance groundbreaking discoveries, strengthen our workforce, and grow our region's economy. I congratulate her on this historic appointment and look forward to working together in the years ahead."
New York State Senate Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes said, "Congratulations to Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco on being named as the new President at the University at Buffalo. And as a native Buffalonian, I say, welcome home. Dr. Genco breaks new ground by being the first female president in UB's history. Her track record speaks for itself, and I have no doubts she is the right person to lead UB into this new era. I also want to thank Dr. Tripathi for his years of dedicated service, not only to UB, but to Western New York and all its communities."
State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "SUNY Chancellor John King is an exceptional leader with a bold vision for strengthening the future of the University at Buffalo, and that includes supporting Dr. Caroline Genco as the university's next president—the first woman to lead our flagship university in its 180-year history. I look forward to seeing how Dr. Genco's years of experience in higher education will help shape the next chapter of UB, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen its role as a world-class institution of learning and research."
State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, "I congratulate Dr. Genco and welcome her home to Western New York. In addition to her distinguished career as a researcher and academic leader, Dr. Genco brings a special perspective to this prominent position as a SUNY graduate. I look forward to working with her and wish her success in building on UB's standing and reputation as a premier public research university."
State Senator Rob Ortt said, "Congratulations and welcome to Dr. Caroline Genco as she begins an exciting new chapter as the president of the University at Buffalo. I look forward to working together to support student success, and the continued growth of UB."
State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, "The University at Buffalo is one of Western New York's most important institutions, creating opportunities for students, driving innovation, and serving as a powerful economic engine for our region. Dr. Caroline Genco brings an impressive record of academic leadership and research excellence, and her appointment as the first woman to serve as president in UB's 180-year history marks a historic milestone for the university. I also want to thank President Satish Tripathi for his years of leadership and service, helping guide UB's growth and success over the past 15 years. I look forward to working with Dr. Genco as she leads UB into its next chapter."
State Assemblymember Pat Burke said, "Dr. Genco brings an impressive record of academic leadership and research excellence, and I'm encouraged by both her experience and Western New York roots. I look forward to getting to know her, learning more about her vision for the University at Buffalo, and working together to ensure UB continues to be a driver of opportunity, innovation, and economic growth for our region and our state."
State Assemblymember Pat Chludzinski said, "I commend the University at Buffalo and the State University of New York Board of Trustees on their selection of Dr. Caroline Genco as UB’s next president. UB is a critically important academic and economic engine in Western New York, and Dr. Genco's background as a researcher, teacher, administrator, and consensus builder make her uniquely qualified to seize on the momentum created under Dr. Tripathi's leadership. I am excited by the potential she brings for advancing the university's mission and I look forward to working with her."
State Assemblymember Bill Conrad said, "The University at Buffalo is a renowned hub of innovation, an essential economic driver, and a powerful symbol of intellectual achievement and upward mobility. It is a remarkable responsibility, to be tapped as the leader who will shepherd in UB's next chapter of world-class development, research, scholarship, and influence. As a two-time SUNY graduate, I am proud to join the community in congratulating Dr. Genco on her monumental new role, and I look forward to working with her to help generate continued success at UB."
State Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco is an accomplished scholar, respected academic leader, and passionate advocate for higher education. Her experience leading a complex, research-intensive institution, combined with her distinguished career as an educator uniquely positions her to build on the University at Buffalo's extraordinary momentum. As a Western New York native, first-generation college student, and the first woman to lead UB in its 180-year history, Dr. Genco brings both a deeply personal connection to our region and a bold vision for the future. As UB's representative in the Assembly, I am proud to congratulate and welcome Dr. Genco back home to WNY, and I look forward to working with her and her team to advance this premier institution."
State Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "As the first woman and the first Buffalo native to lead this world-class institution, Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco's selection as the University at Buffalo's 16th president is a powerful testament to the extraordinary talent that is cultivated right here in our own backyard. Dr. Genco also brings the invaluable perspective of someone who has benefited from a SUNY education herself, giving her a deep understanding of the transformative impact our public higher education system has on students, families, and communities across New York. With her exceptional record as an academic, researcher, and collaborative leader, I am confident she will build on UB's legacy of excellence and help guide the university to even greater heights."
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, "Welcome to Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco, the 16th president of UB, whose vast experience in academics and research has garnered nationwide notice and will serve UB well as it grows in the future. Congratulations are also in order, as Dr. Genco is a WNY native and the first woman to serve as UB's president in history. I wish her well in this leadership role and I look forward to meeting the new president of my alma mater soon."
President Pro Tem, Buffalo Common Council, Zeneta Everhart said, "The University at Buffalo is a key institution in our community, fueling our local economy, training countless skilled professionals, and contributing to cutting-edge advancements in medicine and technology. Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco has a background well-suited to the responsibility of leading this storied institution, having worked as a highly respected administrator, educator, and microbiologist. I commend Dr. Satish K. Tripathi for his 15-year tenure leading the University at Buffalo, and I welcome Dr. Genco to this critical leadership role. I am looking forward to working with her and the UB team on community initiatives across the City of Buffalo, as I have for the past several years with Dr. Tripathi."
Town of Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin said, "I am excited to welcome Dr. Genco as the next President of the University of Buffalo and build on the decades of shared success that has resulted from collaboration and shared vision between Amherst and UB. I look forward to working with Dr. Genco as we focus on continuing to create new opportunities for innovation and economic growth in Amherst and Western New York."
About Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco
Dr. Caroline Attardo Genco serves as provost and senior vice president at Tufts University and is responsible for setting and guiding institutional priorities that advance the university's mission. Dr. Genco oversees Tufts' eight schools as well as multiple cross-school programs, centers, and institutes, and works to champion student success and integrate educational and research activities across the university.
Dr. Genco previously served as the Vice Provost for Research (VPR) and as chair of the Immunology Department at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM). In her role as VPR, she worked with faculty and university leadership to develop and implement strategic research priorities at Tufts, an AAU and Research 1 Institution. As VPR, she facilitated strategies to increase extramural research funding, and enhanced the university research structures and programs, in part by fostering numerous collaborations across disciplines including immunology, infectious disease, epidemiology, biomedical engineering, and public health.
Dr. Genco has an established national record as an academic and research leader with a distinguished history of excellence in biomedical research. She is a graduate of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program and currently holds the Arthur E. Spiller M.D. Endowed Professorship in Genetics at TUSM and has a distinguished history of excellence in biomedical research.
She has authored more than 140 scientific articles, and her research program has been continuously supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has served on numerous NIH scientific advisory committees and has worked closely with several pharmaceutical companies in an advisory capacity. Dr. Genco held faculty appointments at Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Boston University School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from SUNY Fredonia in 1981 and earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Rochester’s School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1984 and 1987, respectively.
About the State University of New York at Buffalo
The State University of New York at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is a New York State flagship university. The university’s 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The State University of New York at Buffalo offers 16 Division I intercollegiate sports that compete at the highest level of competition in the NCAA. Founded in 1846, the State University of New York at Buffalo is the largest and most comprehensive university in the SUNY system and is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. The university is consistently recognized as one of the world’s most exceptional, most affordable universities.
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, 12 Educational Opportunity Centers, over 30 ATTAIN digital literacy labs, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.7 million students across its portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2025, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and annually one in three New Yorkers who earn a college degree is a SUNY alum.
Veronica Chiesi Brown
Community Relations
06/03/2026