State of the College / Foundation Annual Report

Last year, President Miles was named one of 35 women who have changed higher education. Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine noted that these leaders in the field of education addressed “some of higher education’s toughest challenges, exhibiting extraordinary leadership skills and making a positive difference in their respective communities.” Joe Cooke, director of the college’s Yonkers Extension Center, was named a 2019 “40 under 40” Rising Star by the Business Council of Westchester. The forty winners represent a group of accomplished young professionals in government, education, business, healthcare and other fields who have made significant contributions to the county and who demonstrate even greater promise. Joe has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the field of higher education administration during his tenure at Westchester Community College. His entrée into high- er education began in student services at Mercy College and he continues to live a “student first” philosophy in his administrative role as Director of the Yonkers Center. It was also noted that he has focused on extensive community outreach throughout Yonkers. Biology Professor Margaret Eiden was honored at the YWCA Mover and Shaker ceremony. Her many local contributions resulted in the Westchester County Board of Legislators proclaiming October 18 as Dr. Margaret Eiden Day. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced that Dr. Eiden received the same honor on a statewide basis. Senator Shelley B. Mayer honored Dr. Eiden for exemplary service to New York State and the New York State Assembly recognized Dr. Eiden as an outstanding citizen. A Certificate of Achievement was presented to Dr. Eiden by Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey. Meanwhile, the city of White Plains awarded a Certificate of Recognition to the profes- sor for her commitment to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. At the event, Instructor Toni D’Onofrio led a team from the college’s Culinary Arts Department that shared various delectable edibles with the members of the White Plains community who attended the event. Westchester Community College signed a new transfer agreement with Iona College, allowing students who complete their studies at Westchester Community College to matriculate into Iona with junior standing. Unlike many other “articulation agreements” between educational institutions, this will guarantee transfer admission to graduates with a 2.5 grade point average or better with a maximum of 64 credits applied toward the completion of the Bachelor’s degree at Iona. The “two plus two” agreement makes it simpler for students to move on from the first two years of education (Westchester Community College) to the second two years (Iona College). “It is an honor to represent community colleges on this list of highly accomplished women from such a wide range of higher education institutions and associations. I count it a privilege to lead such a great institution dedicated to serving students and our community.” Dr. Miles GIVINGRECOGNITION TOTHEHONORABLE In early 2015, Dr. Belinda S. Miles became the third president of Westchester Community College, a State University of New York (SUNY) in their 74-year history. She has provided strategic, compassionate, and effective leadership to the more than 20,000 who attend annually and has worked with internal and external teams to achieve increased graduation rates, new academic and workforce development programs, expanded transfer agreements, and unprecedented growth in gifts to support scholarships and transformational student success programming. Westchester Community College is SUNY’s first federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. An equity-minded leader, Dr. Miles has contributed to Westchester Community College’s participation in the Achieving the Dream network of community colleges committed to improved student outcomes; transformation of the student experience into fully supported cohorts with clearer pathways to completion; and procurement of major grants and gifts to support academic excellence and student success including founding a full Honors College and establishing a Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity. Dr. Miles recognizes community colleges as a disruptive innovation in academia that fosters an equitable and inclusive democracy. She keeps Westchester Community College at the forefront of high quality higher education in our region and beyond serving on several national and regional boards focused on expanding economic mobility, workforce development, and the impact of technology on the future of work including: American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of Colleges and University Presidents’ Trust; Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University; Hudson Valley Patterns for Progress; Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board; and Business Council of Westchester. A native of Queens, New York, Dr. Miles exhibits what it means to be New York Tough and Viking Strong! 2020 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report 04 05