Stephen Kolison

More than two years after taking office, State University of New York at Fredonia President Stephen Kolison is going to get formally introduced to the community.

An investiture ceremony for Kolison is set for Sept. 9, according to a letter from the Fredonia College Foundation seeking partners for the event.

The college foundation touts Kolison as “deeply committed to public higher education and … eager to continue Fredonia’s role as a regional change-agent for social mobility, facilitator in economic development endeavors, and provider of high-quality educational and research-related activities.”

Kolison began his term in August 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic stalled public recognition of it, according to the letter.

The president has already faced some heavy challenges.

The aforementioned pandemic was Kolison’s initial challenge. SUNY Fredonia implemented strict testing policies and managed to have on-campus instruction throughout the 2021-22 school year.

However, Kolison faces a continuing problem with enrollment, which has declined in recent years. Once as high as 5,000, the number of attendees is now down to about 3,700.

The college foundation also plans an on-campus dinner to introduce a “Bicentennial Fund.” According to the foundation’s letter, “the fund aims to increase enrollment and retention, including among low-income and first-generation college students, demonstrating strong potential for higher education success.”