By: Rami Mansi
At Hostos Community College, located in the South Bronx, The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez delivered his State of the University address.
This annual address aims to reflect on CUNY’s accomplishments in the previous year and to share goals for the upcoming year.
After being introduced by Baruch College Student Maliq Royer-Crann and CUNY Board of Trustees Chairman William C. Thompson Jr., Chancellor Rodriguez thanked multiple city leaders, such as the Governor and Mayor’s team members, who were in attendance.
He began his speech, “I was president of Hostos for five years, so this feels like a homecoming for me. Here, I learned so much about leadership, but above all, I was left with a deep belief in CUNY’s mission, so I’m deeply honored to bring our State of the University to this wonderful campus.”
Continuing, Chancellor Rodriguez discussed the boost in the current CUNY student population.
“In total, we expect over 8,000 new students to have joined our university this fall, for a combined total of nearly 20,000 since 2022. That is 20,000 more students who now have the chance to transform their lives with the power of a CUNY education.”
Speaking about CUNY’s partnership with NYC public schools, Chancellor Rodriguez discussed the opportunities CUNY offers high schoolers looking to get ahead in their college careers.
“Thousands of city high school students earn CUNY college credits through enrollment programs thanks to our growing collaboration with FutureReadyNYC. This is a city initiative that offers free CUNY courses, as well as opportunities to come to our campuses, explore careers, and acquire credentials for 15,000 students at 135 high schools. It’s all about making sure the CUNY opportunity reaches every corner of our city.”
In connection with these schools, the Chancellor spoke about the role CUNY plays in educating the next generation of teachers.
“CUNY prepares nearly a third of the city’s new teachers each year, and enrolls many current K-12 educators in credential programs and courses. […] To address the urgent need to improve reading instruction and outcomes in K-12 schools, we’re aligning our teacher preparation programs with the state and city’s literacy reforms.”
In a time where job employment is at an increasingly slow rate in NYC, the Chancellor emphasized how the internships our campuses hold increase job opportunities for CUNY students.
“Another strategy is to create more employer partnerships so that more CUNY students have opportunities for paid internships and apprenticeships, like integrating industry specialists and advisors into academic departments.”
The Chancellor continued, “Students who have those experiences are three times more likely to get a job offer at graduation, and also have a higher beginning pay.”
Speaking on our urban university’s role in the political climate, Rodriguez reinforces CUNY’s stance as a moving force of higher education for all.
“No conversation about our aspirations can overlook the challenges we face in these times of intensifying political and social division,” Rodriguez stated.
“Across the country, colleges and universities are facing growing political and financial pressure to compromise their core academic, social, and even foundational values. CUNY’s mission has always been rooted in the belief that education must remain a space for equal opportunity and for free inquiry, diverse perspectives, and independent thought.”
Mentioning Brooklyn College only briefly, Chancellor Rodriguez spoke positively about new renovations.
“We are also continuing to upgrade across the University. Between last fiscal year and this one, we are investing about $850 million in facilities […] and the modernizing of science lecture halls and labs at Roosevelt and Ingersoll halls at Brooklyn College.”
Chancellor Rodriguez ended his State of the University address by highlighting acclaimed members of the CUNY community.
“The individual successes of our community members illustrate the creativity, scholarly achievement, and perseverance that continue to shine at CUNY – and they reflect the indispensable role our college communities play in elevating New York.”
To read the full transcript of Chancellor Rodriguez’s speech, please visit the official CUNY website.