Dear Queens College Community:

As we start the summer, I write to share with you that I have informed CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez that I will retire as Queens College president, effective July 30, 2026. I have always said that this is my dream job, and it has been a difficult decision to depart and conclude my important work at the college. 

As you know, we recently received successful preliminary results from the vitally important Middle States Commission for Higher Education accreditation site visit, a tribute to the talents and energies of the college community over the past several years. This hugely significant undertaking was very much related to the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan we implemented as a community. I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together. Our 101st Commencement was in many ways a celebration of our collective efforts on behalf of the success of our graduates. 

I am proud of everyone at QC whose dedication, and indeed love, for the institution so frequently inspired me to do better and strive harder for the achievement of our goals. I would like to especially thank the Cabinet, President’s Council, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, supporters, and our students. As a community, we have faced many challenges, living up to our motto, “Discimus ut Serviamus," We Learn So That We May Serve.

Among our major accomplishments have been:

• The pivot to virtual modality during an unprecedented global pandemic.
• Advocating for the importance and support of research and creativity and obtaining major congressional appropriations in the context of federal government cutbacks.
• Ensuring the safety of all students, expression of free speech, and maintenance of educational function so Queens College could continue to flourish as a welcoming institution for all students in our diverse student body; this has led to recognition such as the “A” grade awarded twice by the Anti-Defamation League for fighting antisemitism.
• Established an interfaith council and encouraged collaboration among various groups on campus.
• The creation of the only comprehensive Arts School within the CUNY system and the Business School, which included closing the philanthropic gift enabling the hiring of the inaugural dean.
• Opening the Louis Armstrong Center, building on a foundation of several decades of effort by prior QC presidents (including the chancellor himself), and securing its designation as a New York City “Cultural Institution,” guaranteeing its funding and stability.
• Securing more than $1 million in funding from the state for the Asian American / Asian Research Institute serving all of CUNY, allowing the hiring of a dean; securing $350,000 of funding from the state for the Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies on campus.
• Supporting many centers, institutes, and special programs that mightily contribute to the quality of life at the college, the university, and beyond.

The most recent statistics about the incoming class show positive indications for the future. The new hires for leadership roles have made all the difference.

I will be working with the chancellor and the QC leadership team to ensure a smooth transition. I am, and will be forever, grateful to colleagues who welcomed me to “the World’s Borough.” I am confident that QC will continue to flourish.

I intend to remain active in the public policy arenas that I care deeply about and to devote my time and energies to the realization of the values that brought me to the college six years ago.  

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the great community of Queens College.

Sincerely,

Frank H. Wu

President