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Masthead in a new York minute updates from President Berenecea Johnson Eanes Volume I Issue 2 January 2023

President Berenecea Johnson Eanes at the controls of the Red Bird Flight Simulator and students if front of the simulator

Dear York College Family and Friends,

Welcome Back and Happy New Year! In my experience, to move forward into a new year, one must take a moment to appreciate and express gratitude for what came before us, as the shoulders we stand on make it possible for our past, present and future successes. Last year we returned to campus and a what a year it was!

We welcomed the “Red Bird,” a new state-of-the art Flight Simulator where students in our Aviation Management program sit in the pilot’s seat and take control. It is essential students learn to “fly” under all conditions, since the FAA requires Flight Dispatchers and Air Traffic Controllers to be versed in what pilots experience in the air. I tried the Red Bird and let me tell you, it felt so real! Thank you to NYS Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman who made the funding possible.

As our students soar, so do our faculty! We saw a 73% increase in annual faculty research awards! Both the Department of Nursing and our Bachelor’s of Social Work earned reaccreditation and our Clinical Trials Management Masters of Science program was selected to be part of CUNY’s Online Initiatives. The York College Foundation Board’s Scholarship Committee awarded more than $60,000 to students last Fall. Now in a nod to their continuing support, the Board also approved funding to seed two new cohort programs in Teacher Education and Clinical Lab Studies! There is so much more to celebrate as we move into a new year full of promise and possibilities!

I’m so excited to welcome all the new students who joined our York College family in 2023! We are so proud you chose York to pursue your degree and we know you will flourish as a student and as a future graduate! There are many noteworthy happenings this year, which I will share more about in future editions. But, for now, here is a quick preview of a few academic milestones: We received NY State approval to launch our new Master’s of Science in Nursing, a degree designed to create new leadership opportunities in the field. And, we debut our new Real Estate Investment Minor and our FAA Dispatcher certification this year! I can’t wait to tell you more, as 2023 progresses. In the meantime, stay warm and I look forward to saying hello when we see each other.

Welcome back to campus!

Berenecea Johnson Eanes

President

York College New Student Orientation group photo

From Queens to Albany:

A Dream Comes True!

Krystelle Thomas, a graduating senior, is taking her local legislative experience as an intern in NY State Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman’s Queens office to the State Capital! Krystelle was accepted into the prestigious 2023 Albany Session Internship, a program designed for 150 emerging leaders from across the state. Several York College students have participated in this invaluable internship over the years. Now Ms. Thomas, a political science major, joins their ranks. While the internship provides a stipend, The York College Foundation is providing Krystelle with an additional $2,500 in support!

While in Albany, Krystelle will be working in the office of Assemblywoman Anna Kelles where she will be involved in research, constituent relations, and attend legislative committee meetings and sessions. “I am eager to see politics in action and apply the theories I learned in my classes,” said Krystelle. “I plan to enter public service, and this internship will teach me how I can best use my degree to serve my community. This is the kind of experience I dreamed of having when I transferred to York in 2019!”

Dr. Robin Harper, a Political Science professor and mentor for the Pre-Law Program at York, talked about York students’ success in being selected for this coveted internship and others. “Every year, York College students practice what they learn in Political Science classes through internships in federal, state, and local governments,” she said. “These internships often lead to jobs, and we are delighted for Krystelle.”

White coat presentation to Physician Assistant graduates

Winter is White Coat

Ceremonies at York!

This winter, more than 65 graduating York College students comprised of occupational therapists and physician assistants participated in an important rite of passage: The White Coat Ceremony. “By donning the white coat, this special Ceremony affirms each student’s commitment to compassionate and skilled patient care,” said Dr. Maureen Becker, Dean of York’s School of Health Sciences and Professional Programs. “The diversity of our student population leads to more culturally competent patient care, which is so important to diversifying the healthcare workforce of highly skilled professionals so that it more accurately reflects the patient population requiring these needed services.

York College Physician Assistant Program Director, Robert Brugna, underscored York College’s pride when he spoke during the physician assistant ceremony. “Our students reflect the CUNY student population: academically capable hard workers with no sense of entitlement. Many may be head of households; many have had to overcome significant obstacles to continue their education and they are incredibly diverse. Over half of our students speak more than one language and this has been true for every class since the program started in 2004; our average class also represents over 15 different countries of origin - for the class size of 30 students' total. I think I speak for all the faculty when I share that we appreciate who you are and how hard you have worked."

Dr. Derrick Brazill Named Provost

I am so pleased Dr. Derrick Brazill has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at York College, after having served as Interim Provost at the College since August 2020. While serving as Interim, Dr. Brazill successfully moved forward important programs and initiatives that strengthen York College. We are on a positive trajectory, and I am confident that Academic Affairs will continue to thrive under his leadership. Read about Dr. Brazill’s contributions to York as Interim and his outstanding academic background.

Give to The Fund for York

As York College continues to work hard to meet the academic and social needs of its students, your donation will help to provide scholarships, enhance academic programs, recruit and retain faculty, and contribute to many other incentives. By making a gift to York, you express your support to the College, and its continuing pursuit of excellence.

STAY IN TOUCH

I love sharing news about York and I love hearing from you.

Reach out to me at president@york.cuny.edu.

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Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes was appointed president of York College, CUNY, in 2020 following an academic year as the interim president. To learn more about her visit our website or review her complete CV online.

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