Patrice DeCoster

Patrice DeCoster joined the president's senior administration at SUNY Empire State College in December 2009. As chief of staff, she is responsible for working closely with a team of staff in the Office of the President and acts as a liaison for the president to the college community and external audiences. In addition, she is a member of the cabinet and President's Council and coordinates the policy process for the college.

DeCoster was formerly employed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., where she served as deputy chief of staff and executive assistant to the president. She previously worked for the president and board of trustees at Broome Community College and has held management positions in both business and academia.

DeCoster earned her associate degree in business administration from Rochester Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from SUNY Empire State College and her Master of Science in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the State University of New York at Albany.