Dr. Robert M. Dufour, Ed.D., has been appointed to SUNY Sullivan’s Board of Trustees, bringing decades of administrative experience, a wide network of community partnerships, and a track record as a Sullivan County education leader to a role focused on expanding opportunity across the region.
Dufour most recently served as district superintendent and chief executive officer of Sullivan County BOCES, where he led efforts to provide high-quality educational programming and workforce training to the school districts and residents of Sullivan County. Prior to his tenure at BOCES, he served for seven years as superintendent of schools at the Eldred Central School District, where he built a reputation for fostering academic excellence and creating positive educational experiences for students and families. Dufour is currently employed as a lecturer/program coordinator of the Educational Administration program at SUNY New Paltz.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dufour to the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees,” said David Potash, president of SUNY Sullivan. “His academic insight, knowledge of our students and communities, and his commitment to workforce development and educational access make him an extraordinary addition to our board. We very much look forward to the wisdom and energy he will bring to this role.”
Dufour holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University, a Master of Science and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz, and a doctorate in Administration and Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His academic background is matched by an equally impressive record of civic engagement: Dufour currently serves on the Board of Directors of Sullivan 180, a non-profit in Sullivan County, N.Y., dedicated to building a healthier community. He previously served on the Board of Directors of New Hope Community and the Sullivan County Broadband Local Development Corporation, was an ex-officio board member of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, and was an active member of the Sullivan County Drug Task Force and the Liberty Networking Group.
“SUNY Sullivan is the cornerstone of higher education in Sullivan County, and I am honored to join its Board of Trustees at such an important moment for the institution,” said Dufour. “My career has been built on the belief that education transforms lives and strengthens communities. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees, the college’s leadership, and the broader community to ensure SUNY Sullivan continues to grow, innovate, and serve the people of this county for generations to come.”
Throughout his career, Dufour has been a tireless advocate for creating and sustaining partnerships that connect education to workforce development and economic growth, values deeply aligned with SUNY Sullivan’s own strategic priorities. His extensive knowledge of Sullivan County’s school districts, community organizations, and regional needs positions him as an immediate and invaluable contributor to the board’s work.
“Bob Dufour has spent his entire career working to make education more accessible and more impactful for the people of Sullivan County,” said Dr. Nancy Hackett, SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees chair. “His experience leading Sullivan County BOCES, his deep network of partnerships across the county, and his genuine passion for connecting education to economic opportunity will make him an invaluable voice on this board. We are truly fortunate to have him.”
Dufour is a resident of Pond Eddy, where he enjoys the scenic beauty of the Delaware River Valley. In his spare time, Dufour is an avid golfer who takes full advantage of Sullivan County’s many outstanding courses.
To learn more about SUNY Sullivan and its Board of Trustees, visit sunysullivan.edu.
About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.
###