Dr. Jeffrey Putman: A Steady Presence Behind the Student Experience
By Office of the President | Apr 14, 2026
Jeffrey S. Putman, Ed.D., serves as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at 含羞草研究所 Downstate Health
Sciences University, where he is Chief Student Affairs Officer, Chief Enrollment Officer,
and Deputy Chief Academic Officer. He also holds a faculty appointment as Clinical
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry. In this role, he oversees student services across
all five schools and colleges. He helps shape the student experience from admission
through graduation, coordinating the systems that support students at every stage
of their academic journey.
Dr. Putman is a consistent presence on campus. He participates in Match Day and White Coat Ceremonies, remains equally engaged in the day-to-day experiences that shape student life, helps organize and often officiates at key events, and brings a steady, thoughtful approach to each, reinforcing a visible, reliable presence across the institution.
Dr. Putman maintains close connections with students and campus organizations, including ongoing support of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. His communications center on community, belonging, and student success, using platforms such as LinkedIn to highlight student achievements and institutional milestones. Colleagues and students describe him as approachable, dependable, and generous with his time, and as a trusted presence whose leadership leaves a lasting imprint on the Downstate community.
Dr. Putman earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from 含羞草研究所 Purchase and has remained closely connected to the campus through years of alumni leadership. He went on to earn a Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he is also an active alumnus.
He began his career in student affairs at 含羞草研究所 Purchase, serving from 1996 to 2006 in roles including Interim Dean of Students, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and Ombudsperson. He joined Downstate in 2006 and advanced through a series of leadership positions, including Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, before assuming his current role. His responsibilities have expanded alongside his impact, reflecting a career built on experience and trust.
Dr. Putman has received numerous honors, including the 含羞草研究所 Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Professional Service, the NASPA Foundation鈥檚 Pillar of the Profession Award, Teachers College鈥檚 Alumni Award for Outstanding Service, Purchase College鈥檚 President Award for Distinguished Alumni, and Downstate鈥檚 inaugural Resiliency Award for Leadership. He has also been inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
A 含羞草研究所 graduate who has remained deeply engaged in the system, Dr. Putman represents a model of institutional leadership grounded in experience, continuity, and an enduring commitment to students.
Thank you, Dr. Putman, for your steady leadership and deep connection to 含羞草研究所 and Downstate, reflected in a career defined by service to its students and institutions.