June 18, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Dr. Diane Eynon, of Accord, and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature has appointed Tracey Bartels, of Gardiner, and reappointed Anna M. Brett, of Kingston, to the College’s Board of Trustees.
Appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2025, Dr. Eynon brings more than 35 years of global leadership in business development, higher education, and international consulting. She has led strategic initiatives and partnerships across the private, public, and academic sectors, working with organizations worldwide including the OECD, World Economic Forum, International Monetary Fund, and United Nations agencies. Her multidisciplinary research and teaching focus is on higher education, economic development, and gender equity, with an emphasis on advancing women’s opportunities globally.
Dr. Eynon served as Senior Fellow and Director of the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and is the founder of WEE (Women-Equality-Equity) Matter. She holds a B.S. and M.S. from West Chester University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a Certificate in Economic Growth and Development from the University of Pennsylvania, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.
Trustee Eynon stated, “I am honored to join the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees and to have the opportunity to support an institution that plays such an important role in transforming lives through education. Community colleges create pathways to opportunity, strengthen local communities, and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Trustees, College leadership, faculty, staff, and students to advance SUNY Ulster’s mission and contribute to its continued growth and impact.”
Appointed by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature in December 2025, Tracey Bartels, former Chair of the Ulster County Legislature, joins the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees with extensive legislative, professional, and community experience. She was first elected to the Ulster County Legislature in 2003, served from 2004 to 2007, and returned to office in 2012 through 2023 following a hiatus devoted to her career and family.
Bartels earned a degree with honors in Film and Television Production from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She is an award-winning filmmaker and member of the Writers Guild of America East.
In her 16 years of public service, Bartels built a reputation for environmental advocacy and fiscal accountability. Bartels has a strong record of supporting significant county spending reductions, opposing tax increases, and advancing tax relief for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. She is also a long-time proponent of open government and environmental stewardship, authoring and supporting measures that increased public transparency, strengthened sustainability standards, and protected Ulster County’s natural resources.
“SUNY Ulster has a long-standing tradition of transforming lives through education, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help advance that work as a Trustee. I look forward to collaborating with the Board, College leadership, faculty, and staff to strengthen opportunities for students and ensure the College remains a valuable resource for our community and region,” said Trustee Bartels.
Anna Brett has served on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees since 2012, following appointments by Ulster County Executives Michael P. Hein and Jen Metzger, with her current term extending through 2031. A dedicated trustee for more than thirteen years, she has chaired the Personnel, Educational Programs and Community Services Committee and the Nominating Committee, advancing a student-centered vision for the College. In recognition of her service, Brett received NYCCT’s Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service in October 2024.
A retired educator, Brett spent more than three decades in the Kingston City School District as a teacher, administrator, and principal. She is also a long-time supporter of the Ulster Community College Foundation, actively involved in fundraising and scholarship support. A respected community leader and volunteer, Brett has been recognized by numerous organizations throughout Ulster County for her commitment to leadership and serving the community.
Trustee Anna Brett stated, “Serving on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees has been both a privilege and a rewarding experience. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me through this reappointment and remain committed to ensuring that SUNY Ulster continues to provide accessible, high-quality education and meaningful opportunities for students throughout our region.”
Chair Robert Jacobsen stated, “We are pleased to welcome our newest Trustees to the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees. The Board benefits from the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of its members, all of which come together in support of the College’s mission. As community colleges continue to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and workforce opportunity, strong leadership and community engagement are more important than ever. I look forward to working with them, and our entire Board, to prioritize student success, create a welcoming academic environment for both traditional students and adult learners, and secure the College’s success now and into the future.”— Robert R. Jacobsen, Chair, SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees.
SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., stated, “We are pleased to welcome our newest Trustees and grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, County Executive Jen Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature for their continued support of SUNY Ulster. Strong governance and community leadership are essential to advancing our mission and supporting education, and we are confident that our Trustees will help guide the College as we expand opportunity, foster student success, and strengthen our impact throughout Ulster County.”
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