SUNY Ulster Opens Faculty/Staff Professional Development Day with
National Higher Education Equity Expert and Author, Tia Brown McNair
August 28, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – To kick-off SUNY Ulster’s 2023-2024 academic year, SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., invited Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Vice President in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, DC, to join the College community for professional development and engagement centered on equity and purposeful action.
Focusing on Am I a Student-Ready Leader? Vision, Purpose, and Practice for Student Success, McNair highlighted promising strategies for designing and leading student success efforts that are guided by the question, “What does it mean to be a student-ready leader, and why does it matter?” The goal is for SUNY Ulster to promote a shared vision with a defined purpose that translates into practices that are relevant, transparent, and effective for our students who represent a diversity of identities.
“I am honored to have Dr. Tia Brown McNair join us as our keynote speaker. I know she will help our institution focus our work this academic year on strategic planning, accreditation and diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice, through the examination of: Are we doing the right thing?; Are we doing it well?; and Why does it matter?, said, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President.
SUNY Ulster’s community of faculty and staff had access to two of McNair’s publications, “From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education” and “Becoming a Student Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success,” for advanced reading and reflections.
Following her address, college-wide discussion groups reviewed key principles from the second edition of Becoming a Student-Ready College and From Equity Talk to Equity Walk. Faculty and staff then identified key steps for examining and establishing equity-centered goals that support student engagement, retention, and success.
As the College enters its 60th anniversary year this September, utilizing Dr. McNair’s work among our resources for strategic planning as we plan for the growth and future of the College will provide a wealth of information in the area of DEI and facilitate more robust conversations with colleagues.
President Buckley stated, “SUNY Ulster serves as an important public higher education partner in Ulster County, and it is paramount that we meet the changing workforce needs in emerging industries by serving the citizens of Ulster County through upskilling and on and off-ramps to affordable access to higher education, leading to successful employment in a career with family-sustaining wages. We look forward to supporting students as they attain their educational degrees/certifications and meet their employment goals.”
For more information, contact Jenn Zell, Chief of Staff at 845-687-5049, or zellj@sunyulster.edu.
# # #
Penny Rifenburgh, an Assistant Professor of English and Department Chair of English, Language, and Philosophy received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A peer commented, “Since arriving on campus, Penny has been a magnet for students. Penny is warm, welcoming, and generous with the students. Her office is always full of students who simply stop by to say hello. The discussions are often related to classwork; however, Penny always takes time to check in with students on a personal level”. In addition to being a pleasure to work alongside, Penny’s students can agree “She is a passionate professor who is caring and puts in her time for her students.”
Patrick J. McGuire, an Adjunct Faculty member in the Social Sciences, History and Education department received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. A peer commented, “In the classroom, Pat is humorous, approachable, and informal in a way that puts students at ease and engenders a positive learning experience. He can be relied upon to give his best efforts in all circumstances…”. Students who have experienced his teaching comment, “I am very grateful to have had professor McGuire for this course. He made the material more enjoyable and kept the content very entertaining to keep the attention of the students. I think his methods should be used for all classes!”
Suzanne DeWitt is an Instructional Assistant for the Biological Sciences department and received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. “Suzanne has always gone above and beyond for the biology faculty and the college… from preparing reagents and setting up labs to purchasing… She’s the best!” In her peers’ opinions, she is “a super-intelligent, dedicated professional who keeps the Biological Sciences department running smoothly…”
Virginia “Ginny” Lukasavage is an administrative assistant in the Arts and English, Language, and Philosophy departments and received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. When her colleagues were asked for a comment on “Ginny” they had nothing but wonderful things to say. One peer commented “Ginny is sunshine on a cloudy day. She is caring, professional, and an awesome person to work with always.” Another said “Ginny helps improve any situation she sees on campus with active participation, positivity, and genuine kindness. She is an asset to us all.”
