By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

Employees from across campus gathered in the Baldwin Gym on Thursday, August 24 to attend the Fall 2023 Faculty Staff Assembly. This twice-annual event encourages campus colleagues to share breakfast, to reconnect, and to discuss the initiatives and goals for the upcoming academic year. The Fall 2023 FSA had a record turnout of nearly 200 attendees in honor of President Hawkins’ inaugural address.

Dr. Penny Kelly, Vice President for Academic Affairs, warmly greeted guests and kicked off the meeting with the traditional “Year in Review” montage. This video recap included highlights from some of the following events:

  • Fall Move-In Day
  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
  • Day of Caring at Ross Park Zoo
  • Dr. Battisti Pergola Ribbon Cutting
  • Veterans Day Ceremony 
  • Fall/Spring Open House
  • Giving of the Toys
  • SPARK!
  • Windsor, Deposit, & Binghamton  “College Express” Days
  • Mock Wedding
  • Mock Disaster
  • Edwin Daub Dedication Ceremony
  • Foundation Scholarship Reception 
  • Graduation
  • Storytelling and Heritage Exhibit

Dr. Kelly then welcomed 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: SUNY Broome’s New Hires and Employees with New Roles.

President Hawkins thanked the attendees for being part of his inaugural Faculty Staff Assembly.
Photo Credit: Ashley Blackwell

Dr. Tony D. Hawkins, SUNY Broome’s eighth President, began his inaugural address by thanking his colleagues for supporting him in “a first of a series of firsts.” The Faculty Staff Assembly marked Day #45 in President Hawkins’ commitment to spend his first 100 days on campus listening to the thoughts, hopes, and suggestions of the College’s key stakeholders.

President Hawkins proceeded to describe the differences between “change,” an event or moment in time, and “transition,” the process that unfolds before, during, and after the change event. He acknowledged that a transition, such as the transition from one presidency to another, affects us on physical, emotional, and psychological levels. As the College collectively embarks on this transition, President Hawkins asked that we focus on the 3 C’s – communication, culture, and connection. 

A Presidential Transition Committee (PTC) has been formed to implement a series of information gathering forums with students, faculty/staff, alumni, and industry partners. Via these forums, the PTC will identify and recommend strategic action steps to guide Dr. Hawkins to make informed decisions to maintain and strengthen the mission of SUNY Broome.

President Hawkins concluded his address with a favorite leadership lesson. First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy explained that a movement cannot happen without a courageous first follower. With that, a shout from the audience of “I’ll stand with you,” prompted the crowd to give President Hawkins a standing ovation. 

Dr. Penny Kelly returned to the podium and highlighted the accomplishments that will launch the College into the upcoming academic semester. After an update on the progress and next steps of Pathways, Dr. Kelly focused on the amazing workforce development and experiential learning initiatives that will continue throughout the year. 

Dr. Andrew Haggerty (formerly of CAI), Erin Marulli (formerly of CA), and Brittney Richardson (formerly of COI) provided an overview of the Shared Governance restructure. A College Senate and Faculty/Academic Senate will replace the College Assembly, Council for Operational Issues, and Council for Academic Issues. The group stressed the importance of the faculty/staff voice and encouraged participation via in-person and virtual meetings. 

Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Vice President for Student Development & Chief Diversity Officer was thrilled to announce that the B.C.Child Care Center is fully operational and currently has 44 little learners enrolled. After providing updates on Athletics, Student Activities, and Student Health Services, she reminded all in attendance that over 230 students will be arriving at the Student Village on Saturday, August 26th and that move-in volunteers would be genuinely appreciated. 

Laura Hodel, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources & Student Finance, presented a comprehensive breakdown of the Federal Financial Aid overhaul. She encouraged faculty to direct students to Student Financial Services throughout the year and offered to facilitate in-class informational sessions. From the Human Resources side, Hodel shared a newly developed QR code for employment opportunities. 

Cathy R. Williams, Executive Director of BCC Foundation, provided her giving highlights  on the over 1.8 million dollars of overall financial support raised for student scholarships, campus activities, faculty development, and capital projects. Over $100,000.00 was raised specifically by SUNY Broome’s generous faculty and staff. Cathy shared her genuine and constant appreciation for her colleagues and encouraged all to participate in the Foundation’s “Very Inspiring Person” campaign, which recognizes fellow employees for their hard work and dedication to SUNY Broome. 

A fishbowl style student panel was facilitated by Dr. Carol Ross-Scott.
Photo Credit:: Ashley Blackwell

The highlight of the Assembly was President Hawkins’ addition of a student panel, moderated  by Dr. Carol Ross-Scott. Via a fishbowl format, six current students shared their experiences, motivators, insecurities, and suggestions for how faculty and staff could best support the student body. All emotions were evoked during the panel discussion, which prompted the second standing ovation of the morning. 

“These students deserve to be heard, nurtured, guided, and connected,” said President Hawkins. “Thank you Alejandro, Josh, Anna, Lauren, Sasha, and Hiba for the extraordinary gifts that you bring to our classrooms.”

Student panelists included: 

  • Alejandro Chavarria Gonzalez
  • Joshua Mizell
  • Hiba Kahn
  • Sasha Lofthouse
  • Anna Tiberia
  • Lauren Verrocchio

If you were unable to attend the Fall 2023 Faculty/Staff Assembly, a recording of the event is available on the SUNY Broome YouTube channel.
Fall 2023 Faculty/Staff Assembly.