SUNY Cortland names new chief of staff

10/07/2025

Leatrice Oram, who most recently has served as chief of staff at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, will join SUNY Cortland as the university's new chief of staff following a national search. She will begin Thursday, Nov. 20.

"Leatrice brings a diverse skillset and a deep appreciation for the values of public education to this role," said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. "Her impressive career of more than 35 years in higher education spans experiences in academic affairs, accreditation, student services, admissions and academic compliance. She also is well-versed in leadership, change management and communications, and I know she will excel in this role."

SUNY Cortland's chief of staff serves as a key member of President's Office and the university's executive leadership team, working closely with many campus partners on strategic priorities, projects and special initiatives.

Since 2021, Oram has worked in a key cabinet-level position at Keene State. Her major duties included advising campus leadership on policy and institutional strategy, researching and responding to critical issues and overseeing correspondence with internal and external constituents on behalf of President Melinda Treadwell, who recently was named president at SUNY Geneseo.

Oram also managed strategic initiatives within the college's strategic plan, represented the campus in local matters with the City of Keene and served as the institution's primary liaison to state, regional and federal delegations.

She previously served from 2016 to 2021 in leadership roles related to academic affairs, accreditation and compliance at Antioch University in Ohio. Prior to that, she enjoyed a 14-year tenure at Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire, where she started as director of admissions and ultimately rose to associate provost for academic affairs and chief student services officer.

Oram also was the dean of admissions for Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, where she worked from 1992 to 2002. Her higher education career began in 1988 as associate director of student affairs at the Julliard School in New York City.

Oram earned her B.A. in romance languages and literature from University of Chicago, her M.A. in higher and adult education from Teachers College Columbia University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University. She also completed executive leadership intensives in technology, managing change and strategic planning from Higher Education Resources Services (HERS)/Wellesley Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration in Massachusetts.