NEW YORK – The State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Dr. Jim Malatras, a proud Greek-American, released a statement on the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany lit in blue and white, the colors of the Greek flag, in honor of the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence.

Dr. Malatras’ statement follows:

“For the first time ever the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, where my office sits as chancellor of the nation’s largest higher education system, shines brightly in the colors of Greece as the world celebrates the 200th Greek Independence Day. As a descendent from the people of Kastraki, this is a day I proudly reflect on their heroic fight for independence— to regain their identity and their way of life as Greeks. To my family in Greece and here in the United States χρόνια πολλά. Χαίρε, ω χαίρε, ελευθεριά! Ζήτω η Ελλάδα!”

Dr. Jim Malatras was named the 14th chancellor of The State University of New York on August 21, 2020. Prior to his role leading the SUNY system, Dr. Malatras served as the fifth president of SUNY Empire State College. Prior to joining SUNY Empire in May 2019, he served as president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, where he led the Institute’s modernization effort to offer policymakers evidence-based policy analysis and recommendations on timely topics.

Dr. Malatras has held several high-ranking positions in New York State government, including director of state operations to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, where he managed the day-to-day operation of state government and served as the administration’s point person on policy development and implementation.

An education policy expert, Dr. Malatras served as the executive director of the governor’s New NY Education Reform Commission from 2012-2014, executive director of legislative affairs and state policy to Attorney General Cuomo, and legislative director to former assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky. Dr. Malatras served as Chief of Staff for Chancellor Nancy Zimpher from July 2013 to August 2014.

Dr. Malatras received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate in political science from the University at Albany.