SBU Appoints New Provost, Arts Development Director

Stony Brook University has named a new provost to replace Eric Kaler, who recently left to become the president of the University of Minnesota, as well as a new director of development of the arts.

New provost Dennis N. Assanis comes to the university from the University of Michigan, where he served in a number of roles: professor of engineering, director of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute, founding director of the US-China Clean Energy Research Center for Clean Vehicles, and director of the Walter E. Lay Automotive Laboratory.

President Samuel L. Stanley, Jr. described Assanis as "a distinguished scholar, teacher and leader."

"Most important for Stony Brook is that Dennis is an exceptional leader, with the ability to bring together people such as social scientists and engineers, to collaborate and tackle some of the most important issues of our time," Stanley said in a statement. "This multi-disciplinary leadership style will be critical to his role as Provost."

Assanis begins his new role as chief academic officer of the West Campus on Oct. 1. He will also serve as Vice President for Brookhaven Affairs.

The university also announced it has appointed Katie Stockhammer to the position of director of development of the arts. Stockhammer comes to Stony Brook from the Long Island Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where she managed annual assets of $2.5 million and oversaw a staff of five as well as a volunteer roster totaling 8,000.

Stockhammer is a Ronkonkoma resident who has already begun in her new position. The university said in a statement her responsibilities will include the building of "long-term relationships with alumni, donors, and fellow Stony Brook colleagues" to support the Staller Center and departments of art, music and theater arts, as well as support faculty performers like the members of the Emerson String Quartet.

In an email to Patch, Stockhammer – who was a fine arts major at Swarthmore College – said she was attracted to the position of director of development of the arts because of her deep passion for the arts and her experience in fundraising.

"I would like to ensure that these centers can continue to bring high caliber shows, films, arts education and culture to the community," she said.