President’s Newsletter

Friday, December 13, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

This week we had our quarterly College Council meeting, at which the university’s EDI plan was discussed and endorsed. I want to thank Dr. Damita Davis for leading this multi-year project and for all the committee members who played such an important role in its creation. Our EDI plan will direct our work until 2029 and includes 3 major goals:

• Cultivate a positive campus climate and foster a sense of belonging;
• Recruit, retain and engage students, faculty, and staff of all identities, backgrounds and experiences; and
• Provide engaging and accessible experiences on campus and in the community.

We also had a great presentation by Dr. Tim Shafer, REOC’s Director of Academic Affairs, which included information on the success of the mobile welding lab, the creation of the Child Development Associate certificate in Spanish, the Fiber Optic Technician Program, and partnerships with local and regional entities, including the Office of Children and Family Services and the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation. College Council members are appointed by the Governor and membership includes our BSG President. Our Brockport University Senate President and our Alumni Board President are both observers. Our REOC culinary arts students under the direction of Chef Jim Liebow created a wonderful meal as a thank you to the Council for their service on behalf of the university.

Cabinet had lunch at Harrison this Wednesday as part of the Staff Saver Wednesday program to celebrate the end of the semester. It was fun to see other faculty and staff in the dining hall and to connect with students. I was particularly happy that I got a chance to see some of the international exchange students before they departed for their home universities. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity next semester, given that BASC has extended the pilot program for the rest of the academic year.

This was another eventful week, as I attended the United Way Leadership Program Graduation Event (which included Brockport alumni), the Willow Executive Committee meeting, and Frank Kuhn’s retirement party. We also had a Student Success Equity Intensive (SSEI) meeting with AASCU. This afternoon I will be swearing in our new police officers and attending the REOC Holiday party, which is always a fun event.

When I reflect on what I’ve learned this week, I would say that it is heartening to know that our international students enjoyed their time at Brockport; that our REOC continues to innovate and respond to the community’s needs; and our College Council offers immense support as thought-partners for our crucial work.

This will be the last newsletter of the semester. I look forward to resuming the newsletters at the start of the spring semester. I wish you joy and relaxation over the holiday period and I look forward to seeing you again in 2025!