Employees from across campus gathered virtually on Thursday, January 20, 2022 to attend the Spring 2022 Faculty/Staff Assembly. The Assembly was initially expected to gather members of the campus community in-person in the Baldwin Gym, but due to the recent spike in local Covid-19 cases, the College opted to transition the event to a virtual format.

Dr. Penny Haynes, Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed the 100+ attendees via a Zoom Webinar and kicked off the meeting with the traditional “Semester in Review” montage. This photo and video recap included highlights from the following events in the fall:

  • Fall 2021 Move-In Day
  • Welcome/Engagement Week
  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
  • BU Forum at CEC
  • CEC Grand Opening
  • Cross Country Team – Nationals
  • PHS Scholarship Ceremony
  • Women’s Volleyball Team – Nationals
  • 75th Anniversary Press Conference
  • Fall Open House
  • Windsor College Express
  • Veterans Day Ceremony
  • “Rooted in the Land” Opening
  • 24 Hours of Giving
  • Holiday World Showcase
  • Students v. Staff Volleyball Tournament
  • Giving of the Toys
  • President’s Holiday Reception

Watch the semester in review:

Dr. Haynes took time to welcome SUNY Broome’s newest employees and to congratulate many current employees on their new professional roles within the campus.

New hires and employees with new roles include:

  • Heather Hoffman – Assistant Professor/Chairperson, Physical Education & Sport Studies
  • Stephanie Malmberg (Ph.D.)- Assistant Dean for Distance Learning & Professional Development
  • Michelle Naylor – Clinical Radiologic Technology Instructional Specialist, Radiologic Technology
  • Kathleen Pepples – Senior Staff Assistant, Continuing Education and Workforce Development
  • Bradley Perl – Academic Advisor, Academic Advising
  • Ann Marie Ripic -Secretary, Continuing Education and Workforce Development
  • Anya Samiljan – Staff Assistant, Admissions
  • Michael Stamets (C.E.C.) – Associate Dean for Hospitality and the Culinary & Event Center
  • Colleen Cashman – Interim Director of Athletics
  • Michael Huggler – Staff Assistant, Athletics
  • Brian Arnold – Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance
  • Christopher Baker – Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance
  • Brandy Clark – Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
  • Heather Eaton – Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
  • Justin Hawley – Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
  • Anieta Horne – Student Records Specialist, Financial Aid
  • Jeffrey Kopolow – Painter, Maintenance
  • Matthew Wightman – Senior Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance
  • Jamie Smith – Alumni & Development Associate

Brenda Dawe, Associate Professor/Chairperson of Music and Theater Arts, introduced the featured musical performer, Liam Roma. Liam sang an original song “In a Rush” and provided all of the musical accompaniment. 

Dr. Kevin Drumm, President of SUNY Broome, began his address by congratulating the campus on their efforts to maintain a safe environment in the midst of the global pandemic. 

He then asked the campus community to reflect on the thought that we must not let “best” become the enemy of “better.” “What got us here, will not get us where we need to go,” quoted Dr. Drumm from a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education. He noted that our new student enrollment numbers are solid, and that our retention numbers are where we need to focus our efforts.

Dr. Drumm concluded his address by encouraging the attendees to participate in selecting items to be placed in the 75th anniversary time capsule. He directed the viewing audience to be creative and include submit suggestions via the 75th Anniversary Time Capsule Recommendation Form. 

Nick Brey, Interim Director of Campus Safety & Security, provided a quick update about the Covid-19 guidelines for the upcoming semester. Brey announced that in accordance with NYS Department of Health, anyone eligible for the booster who has not yet received it, are required to participate in weekly pool testing. Brey reiterated Dr. Drumm’s thanks for the campus’ diligence regarding health and safety precautions. He encouraged anyone with questions to refer to the regularly updated Covid-19 website and to email the Emergency Operations Center at eoc@sunybroome.edu with any specific questions or concerns.

Cathy Williams, Executive Director of BCC Foundation, shared a brief overview of the Foundation’s recent activities and events. The annual 24 Hours of Giving in November 2021 raised over $250,000 through support from over 400 donors. Williams shared exciting news about four recently established endowed scholarships and several major gifts that will generously help to support SUNY Broome’s student based initiatives.

The keynote speaker for the Assembly was Dr. Gretchen Schmidt, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement. Dr. Schmidt is an expert in Guided Pathways, a student centered retention effort that is practiced by colleges and universities across the country. After a detailed discussion on the core practices and infrastructure of Guided Pathways, Dr. Schmidt opened up the conversation for faculty and staff to ask questions and share comments. Dr. Schmidt generously offered to make herself available for further discussion and questions via phone or email.  

Dr. Gretchen Schmidt
gretchen@ncii-improve.com
+1 (804) 316-4523

If you were unable to attend the Faculty/Staff Assembly via Zoom, a recording of the event can be viewed below: