Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Collaborating with New Leaders
December 9, 2022
Colleagues,
Earlier this week, the SUNY Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. John B. King Jr., as the 15th Chancellor of SUNY. Dr. King brings to his new role a breadth of knowledge and experience in K-12 and higher education. As you will read in this SUNY press release, in addition to other roles, Dr. King served as US Secretary of Education during the Obama Administration.
We have been fortunate to have a productive relationship with those who have served as SUNY Chancellor, and I’m certain that we will forge the same with Dr. King once he assumes his new position in January. There may be opportunity, as Dr. King learns more about SUNY and its 64 campuses for him to visit SUNY WCC, and when that opportunity occurs, I look forward to working with you on showcasing our stellar students and programs.
As you are aware, there are multiple personnel searches underway with committees working diligently to interview the most highly qualified candidates for key positions at the college. Thank you for your participation and engagement in this process. I appreciate the effort that goes into the screening and interviewing processes. As an institution, we have achieved so much success and created or fortified student pathways because of the talent we have here at the college. It is imperative that we have the right person in every position on campus to advance our mission and strategic goals. Your commitment to student and institutional success is evidence that we have been successful in attracting and cultivating talent.
The Search Committee for the position of Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, chaired by Dr. Vanessa Morest, has forwarded candidates for further consideration. Please watch your email for information on dates candidates may be on the Valhalla campus so that members of our college community will have opportunity to meet finalists.
We look forward to celebrating our graduates at the Completion Ceremony on Thursday, December 15, at 4:00 p.m. in the Gym. Students are still facing myriad challenges as they progress through their studies, so your support and encouragement is meaningful and adds to the student experience. As classes and/or final exams continue through the remainder of the semester, please give an extra shout out to our December completers as you encourage all students toward the finish line.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President