SUNY Oswego Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Gabriel Marshall is a member of the inaugural SUNY Black Leadership Institute (BLI), launched in March.
Marshall is among the seven fellows in the first-ever class announced by State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. on March 5. BLI, modeled after SUNY’s nationally recognized and highly successful Hispanic Leadership Institute, will support, retain and foster the success of emerging and current leaders.
“So far it’s been fantastic,” Marshall said. “I was excited about the opportunity but wasn’t sure what to expect. At our welcoming retreat, I was impressed with how thoughtful and thorough the process has been and what we will be doing over the next eight months.”
“I’m really interested in applying what I’m learning now at SUNY Oswego and how that can apply to student success,” Marshall noted. “For example, as part of new student orientation, how can I clearly communicate with students and families about the variety of experiences they will have at Oswego, and how they can proactively take responsibility for themselves, their education and their future.”
Marshall said participating underscores “adding tools to our leadership toolbox — you can’t use a hammer for everything,” and these tools can be applied to supporting student success and working towards fulfilling President Peter O. Nwosu’s Vision 4040.
“It will impact and enhance my ability to support students and respond accordingly to their perspectives and thoughts,” Marshall said. “Higher education has been a big part of my life. I’m big on improving the student experience and promoting excellence in all aspects on our campus, and this will help me do that even more.
Marshall came to SUNY Oswego after serving as assistant vice president and senior adviser for student success and retention at Buffalo State College, and previously as director of student access and achievement programs at Nazareth College, senior Educational Opportunity Program coordinator at SUNY Brockport and resource specialist at Monroe Community College, and taught undergraduate courses.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Daemen College; a master’s degree and certificate of advanced study in counseling from SUNY Brockport; and his doctorate in executive leadership from St. John Fisher College.
Marshall leads four SUNY Oswego student affairs units: Student Engagement and Leadership, Campus Events and Conference Services, Campus Recreation, and Student Orientation and Family Engagement.
