Michael Runkel

Michael Runkel serves as the Director of Grounds & Landscape at Hofstra University since November 2019, following a tenure as Assistant Director of Grounds & Arboretum. Prior to this role, Michael held positions at New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation from October 2012 to November 2019, including Assistant Director and Landscape Curator. Experience also includes work at Seven Oaks Estate as Grounds Keeper - Caretaker from October 2010 to October 2012, where responsibilities involved maintaining a 9-acre estate. Earlier in the career, Michael was an intern at New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation from May 2008 to October 2010, assisting with various horticultural tasks. Michael holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Development from Farmingdale State College and a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Farmingdale State University of New York, both earned between 2007 and 2012.