Provost Michael Oriolo Inducted into Genesis Group Hall of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement in Education

On Thursday, November 21 Michael Oriolo, chief academic officer and provost of Herkimer College, was inducted into the Genesis Group’s Hall of Distinction for lifetime achievement in education at The Genesis Group’s 18th Annual Celebration of Education at Hart's Hill Inn in Whitesboro.

Herkimer College employees previously inducted into the Genesis Group Hall of Distinction include Dean Emeritus Mary Ann Caroll in 2022 and Professor Emeritus William Pelz in 2021. 

Herkimer College Officer-in-Charge Nicholas Laino delivered remarks introducing Oriolo at the event. He said, “Michael has a deep knowledge of higher education policies and programs, specifically within SUNY and at Herkimer College, and most importantly he approaches every decision by asking what is best for the students. It was my honor to publicly thank Michael for his remarkable contributions to education and his unwavering commitment to Herkimer College.” 

Oriolo joined Herkimer College in 1981 as a mathematics instructor. Since then, he has fulfilled leadership roles in the college including division chair, division dean, and dean of academic affairs before his role as provost. As provost, he oversees over 40 associate degree, certificate, and micro-credential programs, and is responsible for many services provided by Herkimer College including the Library, the Academic Support Center, the Internet Academy, among many others.

This achievement is the most recent of Oriolo’s accolades, having received a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 1992.