Irby “Skip” Sullivan joined Alfred State as the College’s 12th president Jan. 2, 2014, and was inaugurated Oct. 10, 2014.

Bringing a true passion for education to his everyday interactions, Dr. Sullivan prides himself on his visibility, accessibility, and sense of humor with students, faculty, and staff. He regularly seeks feedback from every corner of the College and greater community and enjoys inspiring others to get engaged, pursue their passions, and take on leadership roles.

“Folks need to be a part of it all and share in the decision making,” he says. “I want every employee and student to know and support our mission.”

Since becoming the president of Alfred State, Dr. Sullivan has been initiated into the College’s chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. He has also assimilated himself into the culture of not only Alfred State, but also the local community.

Dr. Sullivan has traveled to a number of locations, both nationally and internationally, on behalf of Alfred State, as he fulfills his commitment to furthering the College’s philosophy of hands-on learning, its focus on sustainability and civic engagement across the curricula, and its receptiveness to the greater community and to the SUNY system.

With 20 years of business experience in the transportation industry and a demonstrated commitment to hands-on learning over more than a decade in college leadership and administrative roles, Dr. Sullivan’s experiences have fostered in him a first-hand understanding of the need for education that is both relevant and responsive to the job market.

“Higher education must listen to the stakeholders and use data to drive all efforts,” he says. “We should be responsive to our customers – the students and the community.”

Dr. Sullivan has been a manager at Bowman Transportation, Conway Southern Express, and Spartan Express. He has also served as dean and chief academic officer at Miller College from 2004 to 2006 and provost and CEO at Glenville State College from 2002 to 2004. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1979 from Tennessee Temple University, his master’s degree from Fort Valley State University (HBC) in 1995, and his EdD from the University of Georgia in 1999. Dr. Sullivan served as president of West Georgia Technical College from 2006 to 2013 before joining the Alfred State family.