Carl Wiezalis, a professor at Upstate Medical University and a longtime UUP member, has been elected to his second term as president of the SUNY Faculty Senate. Wiezalis said he looks forward to continuing many of the initiatives the Senate started in his first term.

“If you’re the type of person to finish what you start, it’s logical to continue,” said Wiezalis, a professor of cardiorespiratory sciences in Upstate’s College of Health Professions. “SUNY intends to move forward and become a leader in energy and environment.”

The Faculty Senate presidency has a two-term limit. In this final term, Wiezalis said he hopes to also create a service corps for SUNY retirees, and looks forward to continuing an already strong relationship between the Faculty Senate and UUP.

Wiezalis credits his longtime involvement in UUP for his interest in forging even stronger ties between the Faculty Senate and UUP. He also said that UUP President William Scheuerman “has been exceptional in embracing the opportunity.”

Wiezalis said he and Scheuerman have a shared goal of working in the best interest of the SUNY faculty. Both also plan to continue supporting programs at the state university that foster faculty leadership and professional development. Input from faculty members should help to achieve that goal, Wiezalis said.

“Being president of the Faculty Senate is not like being the president of a business corporation,” Wiezalis said. “My colleagues have more knowledge, and it is my job to bring them together and capitalize on the group’s experience. I feel that I belong to the faculty; they don’t belong to me.” -Lindsey Hollenbaugh