Laurel Bongiorno has been named the thirteenth president of Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York. She will assume her presidency on July 1, 2026.
According to the most recent federal data, Hartwick College enrolls about 1,100 students, 61 percent of whom are women.
Dr. Bongiorno has served as Hartwick’s provost and vice president for academic affairs for the past three years. Under her leadership, the college has launched eight new majors and six minors, restructured academic departments, and strengthened strategic planning across academic affairs. Dr. Bongiorno has also led efforts to enhance budget stewardship and improve student success and retention rates.
Before joining the Hartwick administration, Dr. Bongiorno spent over two decades at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. She held several leadership roles throughout her tenure, including dean of the division of education and human studies and dean of the Stiller School of Business. Her scholarship centers on early childhood education and strengths-based leadership.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as Hartwick’s next president,” said Dr. Bongiorno. “Hartwick College is a remarkable community, defined by its commitment to students, its dedication to academic excellence, and its belief that education can transform lives. I am inspired every day by the collaboration and care that define this campus. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to build on Hartwick’s strong foundation and exciting trajectory.”
Dr. Bongiorno earned her bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Gordon College in Massachusetts, a master’s degree in early childhood education from Boston University, and a doctorate in education from Walden University.