When the Broome County Legislature recognizes an individual, the chair typically reads a page or so of that person’s accomplishments.
For Dr. Francis Battisti – SUNY Broome alumnus, dedicated professor and, most recently, the college’s executive vice president and chief academic officer – the accolades ran to multiple pages. Legislature Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds gladly read them all at the governing body’s Sept. 19 meeting.
“He’s had one of the most dedicated careers in Broome County’s history,” Reynolds said. “He’s been a fantastic mentor to many people.”
Dr. Battisti has been involved with higher education and with SUNY Broome for 50 years, and began his career as one of the college’s first counselors. Read more about Dr. Battisti and his SUNY Broome legacy here.
While he left his administrative position over the summer, he prefers that you not call it retirement. A motivational speaker and consultant focused on individual, organizational and community transformation, he plans to continue this work around the country, as well as spend time with his wife, sons and seven grandchildren.
During the Sept. 19 meeting, Dr. Battisti not only received a framed and signed resolution from all of the county legislatures, but also a standing ovation.
More than 70 years ago, a different Broome County Legislature approved a bill establishing the New York State Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences at Binghamton – one of only five in the state, and a forerunner of the community college system. The initial bill covered only five years – “an experimental amount of time,” Dr. Battisti explained.
At the time, leaders didn’t assume that the college would be successful. In fact, the original buildings on the Front Street campus were built in such a way that they could be repurposed for industrial use, Dr. Battisti said.
It soon became apparent, however, that the college now known as SUNY Broome was a fantastic success, growing from only 300 students in its initial class to more than 7,000 today. Dedicated faculty and staff – such as Dr. Battisti – play a role in that success.
“You’re definitely the example of what public service is all about,” Reynolds said.
