Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles – September 2, 2016
It’s thrilling to feel the pulse of the college beat stronger as we get close to the start of a new academic year! All the activity is rejuvenating. Last weekend, 160 students registered for classes while 106 adjunct faculty members gathered for professional development. It was a great day for all. Then on Tuesday, I had the privilege of joining Profs. Donnie Simmons and Gwendolyn Roundtree Evans and Associate Director of Student Involvement Tiago Machado in welcoming new and returning students to the Black & Hispanic Male Initiative orientation.
If you saw a film crew on campus this week, it was probably a team videotaping a presentation by Dr. Christine McPhail for the Tutor Training and Development Program. Dr. McPhail is emerita professor and founder of the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University and recipient of many awards and recognitions for her work in the community college sector. She joined us this week from Achieving the Dream to lead a session for our tutors, and ATD filmed her presentation. It was an honor to host the presentation and to have the college provide the setting for the video. Thanks to Susan Arietta and Joanna Peters for executing their vision for this day. Also special thanks to Jo-Ann Gala and Beth Holden for their work in helping to make this event successful.
Our newest trustee joined the board this week: student Jonathan Kimiadi visited the Westchester County Clerk for his official swearing-in on Wednesday. We welcome Jonathan, who is a tremendous fan of the college and considering transfer to Columbia or NYU on his way to law school after he finishes his degree here. Like me, he’s originally from Queens.
I appreciate the responses to my communications survey—more than 50 so far! While the opportunity to communicate with me is always open, the survey will only be open until September 12. It has five questions and will take about five minutes to finish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YHQ2NW.
Special thanks to everyone working hard to help students successfully transition into the fall term. And welcome back to faculty members who are returning from the summer and rejoining colleagues to welcome our new and returning students. I would also like to welcome our new faculty and staff joining us for the start of the new semester. I’m excited to get the new academic year underway with you! Have a fun and safe Labor Day holiday weekend. See you on Tuesday.
Thanks for making it a great week.
P. S. Remember to wear blue & gold next Wednesday for our college-wide welcome back event.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President