Biography
Fred has been the president of United University Professions (UUP) since 2013. Under his tenure, UUP has become a powerful, politically influential force in New York state. As America’s largest higher education union, UUP has tackled pressing issues like health care access, climate change, and social justice through initiatives such as its legislative agenda—a comprehensive plan advocating for full state funding of SUNY and its public teaching hospitals.
Advocacy efforts under his direction have also led to significant gains, including increased state funding for SUNY, stopping a state plan to shut down Downstate University Hospital—Brooklyn’s only public teaching hospital. Thousands of jobs were saved as was the hospital, which treats more than 400,000 patients each year, many of whom rely on Medicaid and have little or no insurance coverage.
A dedicated educator and advocate, Kowal began his career at SUNY Cobleskill, where he developed Native American Studies courses and served as a leader in UUP at the chapter and statewide levels. Beyond his work with UUP, he holds roles on several boards, including the National Wildlife Foundation and the New York AFL-CIO Executive Council. Kowal’s contributions to labor and education have earned him numerous accolades, such as recognition in City & State’s Labor Power 100 and Higher Education Power 100 lists.