51³Ô¹Ï

President

Robert S. Prezant, PhD, joined 51³Ô¹Ï as its 10th president on August 14, 2024. Prior to his appointment, he was provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Southern Connecticut State University.   

A prolific scholar and accomplished administrator, President Prezant has been the lead or co-lead in generating over $20 million in external funding to support research and academic programs. His administrative efforts have resulted in the creation and support of several centers and institutes, new degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, corporate partnerships to support student success, development and enhancement of online and on-ground continuing education programs, and several global affiliations.

His previous roles included serving as dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at CUNY’s Queens College, and chair of the Biology Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he was granted a University Professorship – a lifetime honorific. President Prezant founded and served as editor-in-chief of the international peer-reviewed journal, The American Malacological Bulletin, and served as editor of Perspectives in Malacology and The Second International Corbicula Symposium. He has recently served as president of the East River Watershed Research Institute.

He holds a PhD in marine biology from the University of Delaware, an MS in biology (marine science) from Northeastern University, and a BA in biology from Adelphi University.

Senior Vice President and Provost
934-420-2003

The Senior Vice President and Provost serves as the Chief Academic Officer, responsible for all academic units, support services, and operations, while providing a strategic vision for enriching academic programs and enhancing teaching, research, and the student experience.

Dr. Lane joined FSC in June 2025, from the University of Alabama in Huntsville where he served as dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. As dean, he revamped the college's recruitment, retention, and graduation efforts, led strategic planning, helped develop numerous new degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, created new research support programs, engaged deeply with industry, and led significant fundraising activities. He also served concurrently as interim dean of the Honors College and acting associate provost for International Services, Academic Integrity, and dean of the Graduate School. Lane previously served as associate dean of The Graduate School at Louisiana State University, where he also served as director of research in the Department of Psychology.

Prior to his academic roles, Dr. Lane worked in the tech sector as a human factors and user experience professional. He has a deep level of success in securing competitive grants from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Science Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation. He is author or editor of two books on memory and attention and has a long list of peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Lane received a PhD and MA in Experimental Psychology from Kent State University and a BA in Psychology from California State University, Fresno.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
934-420-2170

The Executive Vice President and CFO is responsible for providing the campus with essential administrative, financial, and operational services through his leadership of over 20 departments as well as College-related organizations such as the Farmingdale State Development Corporation and the Broad Hollow Bioscience Park. Mr. O’Connor also oversees Farmingdale's NCAA Division III Athletics program and Campus Recreation. He provided oversight to Enrollment Management and the Admissions Office from 2022 to 2024.

Prior to joining FSC in 2017, Mr. O’Connor was the Director of New Ventures at the SUNY Research Foundation where he was the principal contact for campuses seeking strategic direction and support for industry partnerships, venture capital engagement, real estate development, and collaborative research partnerships. He has served on several corporate boards including Downstate Technology Center, Inc., Long Island High Technology Incubator, Inc., the Accelerate New York Seed Fund, as well as BHBP.

Mr. O’Connor earned an MBA from the University at Albany and a BA from Binghamton University.

Vice President, Marketing and Communications 
934-420-2400

The Vice President for Marketing and Communications directs integrated communications and brand strategy across all internal and external channels, including marketing and advertising, web content and development, creative design, social media, enrollment materials, and government and media relations.

Ms. Maio joined FSC in 2023 from Stony Brook University, where she served as head of communications and marketing for the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, managing the web, content, and social media strategies within the Colleges’ nine departments. She was also an instructor and advisor in the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Honors program. Prior to Stony Brook, she developed and managed brand campaigns, media relations, and thought leadership programs for industry leaders including Arrow Electronics, Air France, and NXP Semiconductor. Her earlier experience includes more than 10 years at public relations agencies, representing major brands such as Delta Air Lines and the SkyTeam Global Airline Alliance, Visa, and Dupont Textiles and Interiors.

Ms. Maio received an MS degree in Technology and Society from Stony Brook University, and a BA in Communication Arts from Marist University.

Vice President for Enrollment Management
934-420-5733

The Vice President of Enrollment Management provides strategic direction for the development and implementation of a data-informed strategic enrollment plans, reflecting higher education trends and campus goals, with particular focus on market analysis and positioning. Mr. Howell oversees the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and Transfer Services.

Mr. Howell joined FSC in 2024 from SUNY Maritime College where he served as Dean of Admissions since 2016. He was responsible for developing and implementing the College’s enrollment plan, overseeing undergraduate and graduate admissions, scholarships, and programs that expand access to higher education for students from diverse and underserved backgrounds. He has a rich background in admissions and enrollment, having held leadership roles at several institutions across the region, including SUNY.

Mr. Howell received an MBA in General Management, a BS in Airway Science Management, and a Post-Masters Certificate in Total Quality Management, all from Dowling College.

Vice President for Student Affairs
934-420-2103

The Vice President for Student Affairs oversees the College’s expanding student life initiatives, including the Dean of Students Office, Student Activities, Residence Life, Health and Wellness Center, Disability Services Center, Veterans Services, Title IX, and Campus Mental Health Services, among other student-focused programs.

Dr. Jackson joined FSC in 2025 from Brooklyn College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), where he most recently served as Vice President of Student Affairs and was previously Dean of Students since June of 2016. He also held Dean of Students appointments at the Community College of Philadelphia and Marymount Manhattan College. His earlier experience includes positions as Manager of Student Development and Activities at Columbia University and Resident Director at William Paterson University.

Dr. Jackson received a BS in Biology at the University of Michigan, an MA in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University, and an EdD in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.