NEW PALTZ — Barbara Adams has joined the University of New York in Prague, The Czech Republic, as its provost.
Adams, who retired as the president of Ulster County Community College in August, will oversee the academic functions of the two-year-old campus that operates under the cooperation of SUNY New Paltz, Empire State College and New York College in Athens, Greece.
Since its first classes in 1998, enrollment has grown from 65 to 500 this fall. “A growing campus like this needs a provost with dynamic administrative skills and a strategic focus,” said SUNY New Paltz President Roger Bowen of the Prague campus’ decision. “Barbara has a solid track record with that kind of leadership, as evidenced in the Hudson Valley by her work at Ulster County Community College.”
Adams joined the SUNY system in 1997 at UCCC. She is credited with introducing an overall strategic plan to enhance the college’s value to the community, major technology upgrades and establishing a sound facilities plan. Under her leadership, enrollment increased and the campus won financial support for her plans, including a $1.72 million federal grant for technology and student services.
Adams visited the Prague campus in late August and says she was immediately impressed by the potential opportunities. “We’re at the front of a wave,” she says of the university. “There is a tremendous demand for American-style higher education. The University of New York Prague is the system other U.S. universities want to emulate.”
The Prague campus is designed to combine American-style university education with the rich culture and heritage of Eastern Europe. Much of Adams’ work will focus on orchestrating that combination, ensuring that students reap the benefits of the mix, she says.
The programs are designed to prepare students to transfer to bachelor’s programs at SUNY New Paltz or continue their studies at Prague for four years to earn a bachelor’s degree from Empire State College.
“New Paltz does span the globe from its Hudson Valley home,” Bowen said. “Whether it is sending students abroad to learn, bringing international students here, or bringing campuses to other nations, we are dedicated to turning nations into people.”
In addition to the Prague campus, New Paltz is involved in a similar campus in Athens, Greece, also in cooperation with Empire State College and the University of Louisville. The Athens campus serves more than 1,000 students and began offering classes in 1989.
Note to Editors: Adams is currently in Prague, but will return to the U.S. in late November. She will be available to meet with media at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at SUNY New Paltz. Contact Ken Ross for more information.
