SUNY Oswego announced the renaming of its four colleges, three of which were previously known as schools, while strategically positioning its largest one, with an eye toward future growth, industry need and student opportunities.
“After thoughtful consultation and planning among administration and faculty, I am pleased to announce the renaming of our academic schools to colleges,” President Peter O. Nwosu said in announcing the new names, which will take effect on July 1. “This change aligns with our recent attainment of university status, highlights our commitment to Vision 4040 for a more educated region, and responds to the increasing breadth and depth of our academic offerings and the national trends in higher education.”
Renaming and expansion
The biggest change also involves its largest academic unit, as what was previously the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) becomes the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Engineering (CLASE) – with three schools within it.
These new schools within CLASE will be the School of Humanities, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Each of the schools will be led by a director reporting to the CLASE dean. The directors will work with internal and external stakeholders to provide strategic direction in furtherance of opportunities that enhance academic excellence, support curricular innovation and enrollment growth, and advance workforce needs and regional economic development.
“The renaming of our largest academic unit emphasizes our deep commitment to the liberal arts while highlighting the growing significance of engineering and applied sciences in our curriculum,” President Nwosu said.
Integrating engineering into the name aims to increase the visibility of these programs, enhance interdisciplinary opportunities and better serve students pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This change is a step toward greater external recognition for SUNY Oswego’s quality of education and research.
The three schools being renamed as colleges are:
- School of Education becomes College of Education, Health and Human Services
This expanded name reflects the broad scope of this signature area, as it encompasses teacher preparation, school leadership, mental health counseling, health promotion and helping professions. This change paves the way for future growth in critical areas, including technology management, nursing and social work, among others, to meet emerging workforce demands while honoring its long history as a leader in educator preparation.
- School of Business becomes College of Business and Entrepreneurship
This renaming preserves the identity of well-regarded and AACSB-accredited business programs, known for strong alignment with industry needs, global perspectives and a focus on preparing students for leadership roles. This re-envisioning also acknowledges a commitment to innovation and enterprise, as entrepreneurship becomes an increasingly important part of a nimble and responsive economic ecosystem.
- School of Communication, Media and the Arts becomes College of Communication, Media and the Arts
The new name emphasizes its vibrant role in fostering creativity, critical thinking and technological innovation. This college, to be housed in Hewitt Hall, the renovated $80 million facility reopening in fall 2025 –- will continue to prepare students for leadership in fields such as media production, art and graphic design, performance and communication studies. Highlights of the new home of this college include two broadcasting studios, a podcasting studio, a newsroom, an animation lab, a film screening room, a white box gallery, a virtual reality suite, a music performance space and various specialized labs and classrooms.
“This change is not just about nomenclature; it reflects SUNY Oswego’s ongoing journey of growth and transformation,” President Nwosu said. “To ensure the success of this transition, we will be working closely with faculty, staff, and students to engage our stakeholders through marketing and outreach efforts to reinforce the values of our schools and programs, as well as the strengths of our outstanding faculty and students.”
Additional benefits
The new names and emphases provide a framework for developing opportunities for degree programs, interdisciplinary initiatives and professional credentials. For example, President Nwosu said, it can set the stage for the College of Education, Health and Human Services to expand into high-demand fields like nursing and social work, while the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering offers opportunities to further integrate STEM with humanities and social sciences.
The project also recognizes and affirms the quality academic work happening within classrooms and beyond borders, a rightful point of pride for past, present and future leaders, the president said.
“This change aligns SUNY Oswego with peer institutions nationally and internationally, elevating the stature of our academic units,” President Nwosu said. “It allows prospective students, families, and external partners to immediately recognize the depth and quality of our offerings.”
Interdisciplinary collaboration, an established strength of the university, remains emphasized across units while preparing students for careers that demand cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills.
The renaming improves the university’s ability to attract grants, research funding and partnerships with employers and community organizations, as well as fundraising opportunities to promote initiatives that resonate with successful and engaged alumni. It also signals SUNY Oswego’s readiness to lead in addressing regional and global challenges through innovative programming.
“This renaming reflects the hard work, collaboration, dedication and innovation that define the SUNY Oswego community,” President Nwosu said. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, and leadership teams who contributed to this vision, as well as to the students who inspire us to grow and evolve as an institution.”