Corinna A. Caracci is a seasoned higher education professional with over three decades of leadership and service dedicated to supporting students and enhancing campus life. Currently serving as the Director of Residence Life at SUNY New Paltz since 1999, Corinna leads a dynamic team responsible for 14 residence halls that house more than 3,200 students. Under her guidance, the campus has expanded its housing capacity by over 30%, including the construction of three new residence halls. She continues to oversee a $10 million operating budget and a $34 million capital budget.
Corinna is recognized as a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and compassionate mentor. Her leadership style—rooted in collaboration, decisiveness, and a deep commitment to student success—has earned her the respect of colleagues and students alike. Throughout her tenure, she has mentored and developed over 200 residence life staff and implemented policies and initiatives that foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging living environment. She is also an integral member of the campus executive leadership team, contributing to university-wide decision-making.
Her impact extends beyond SUNY New Paltz. Corinna serves as the State Director of New York for the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program, where she has trained more than 5,000 women in self-defense and certified over 500 instructors nationwide. Her work in this space led to her induction into the R.A.D. Hall of Fame and the creation of specialized programs to support LGBTQIA+ communities. She also brought the international One Billion Rising campaign to SUNY New Paltz, raising awareness and mobilizing action against sexual violence.
Before joining SUNY New Paltz, Corinna held multiple student affairs roles at SUNY College at Oneonta, including Assistant Dean of Students and Residence Hall Director. There, she oversaw student conduct reform, advised student organizations, and pioneered programs to support at-risk and underrepresented students.
Corinna holds both a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from SUNY Oneonta. She has received multiple honors, including the 2019 Alumni of Distinction Award and the Outstanding New Professional Award, the 2022 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the State University of New York Residence Life Housing Administration, and is an honorary member of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
In addition to her professional roles, Corinna is an active contributor to numerous campus-wide committees, including Title IX Programming, Student Success, Wellness, and COVID-19 Planning. Her community engagement is equally extensive, spanning service with food pantries, elder care initiatives, and fitness instruction.
Corinna has consulted on residence life development for Dutchess Community College, led international outreach in Italy and Turkey to promote student housing programs, and created coursework to train and empower resident assistants.
Driven by a passion for student development and community building, Corinna A. Caracci exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, vision, and heart.
“I am truly honored to have been considered as one of the recipients of this award. I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for this incredible recognition. Receiving this award is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the support, collaboration, and inspiration I’ve received from so many throughout my career here at New Paltz. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence, to inspire others, and to give back in meaningful ways. I’m proud to be part of a community that truly values dedication and service to our campus. It has been an honor to contribute to a place that means so much to me. I’m deeply grateful to have spent all these years as part of this amazing institution.”