Amy DeKay, VP for Student Experience, to deliver keynote at Alfred University Convocation

ALFRED, NY – Amy DeKay, Alfred University vice president for Student Experience, will deliver the keynote address at the University’s Opening Convocation on Friday, Aug. 26.

Opening Convocation, set for 2:30 p.m. in Galanis Family Arena, will mark the beginning of Alfred University’s 187th year. An estimated 459 new students (426 first-year and 33 transfers) are expected to arrive on campus the week of Aug. 22. Classes for the 2022-23 academic year begin on Monday, Aug. 29.

DeKay began her duties as Alfred University’s vice president for Student Experience on July 11. DeKay came to Alfred University with 25 years of experience in higher education student-focused positions, including 13 as vice president for Student Development at her alma mater, Medaille College in Buffalo.

 As vice president for Student Experience, DeKay reports directly to University Provost and Chief Operating Officer, Beth Ann Dobie, and is a member of University President Mark Zupan’s Cabinet and the Executive Council. She provides leadership for a division which houses several offices and departments aimed at enhancing the student experience at Alfred University, including the Institute of Cultural Unity (ICU); Athletics; Career Development; Counseling and Wellness Center; Student Involvement/Powell Campus Center; Dining Services; Judicial Affairs; Public Safety; Residential Communities; and the Judson Leadership Center.

DeKay earned a bachelor’s degree in child and youth services from Medaille in 1995 and went on to earn a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY College at Buffalo in 1997. She served as assistant/associate dean of students and director of Student Activities/Campus Center Operations and New Student Orientation at Medaille from 1997 until 2009. In 2009, she was appointed as Medaille’s vice president for Student Development. From 2013-19, DeKay also served as the college’s Director of Athletics.

As a member of the President’s Cabinet at Medaille, DeKay helped promote and implement the College’s strategic plan focused on increasing undergraduate and graduate student enrollment. She provided leadership across the Medaille campus, examining and evaluating new student programs and efforts aimed at ensuring student success. She also oversaw departments providing student development and retention services, including Residence Life, Career Planning, Athletics, Student Involvement, Multicultural Education and Diversity, Counseling Services, and Health Services.