Westchester Community College will have a new president for the first time in 43 years, with Belinda S. Miles set to succeed Joseph Hankin, who announced his retirement in November 2013. The appointment was approved by the State University of New York board of trustees at a meeting in New York City on Nov. 6.
“I am looking forward to this opportunity to engage with students, faculty, staff and the community to advance a comprehensive learning and success agenda,” Miles said in a statement. “Together we will work to expand Westchester Community College”™s role in helping students achieve their academic and career goals.”
Miles, a New York City native, joins WCC after serving in leadership roles at Cuyahoga Community College in the Cleveland area. She earned a bachelor”™s degree in political science at the City University of New York”™s York College. She attained a master”™s degree in educational psychology and a Doctor of Education degree in higher education organization and leadership development from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Hankin, the previous president of WCC, retired in 2013 after leading the college since 1971. He had previously been president of Harford Community College in Maryland, a post to which he ascended at age 26, making him the youngest college president in the country.
“For the past 42 years, it has been my honor to serve the board of trustees, administration, faculty, staff, student body and residents of Westchester County in the position of president of Westchester Community College,” Hankin said at his 2013 State of the College address, where he announced his retirement. “The accomplishments achieved over the past four decades have been realized because of the joint effort of a team of individuals.”
“President Hankin has led Westchester Community College with the highest level of distinction, fostering productive and impactful connections with students, faculty and staff on campus,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in response to Hankin”™s retirement. “The college will be forever defined by President Hankin”™s tenure, and his many contributions to SUNY and to New York state throughout his leadership will benefit generations to come.”
Having been granted leave for 2014, Hankin assisted the trustees in the college”™s presidential search that ultimately selected Miles as his replacement.
John F.M. Flynn, the college”™s former vice president of academic affairs who has been serving as interim president since January of this year, will stay on in the role until Miles begins leading the college in January.
The announcement of Miles”™ appointment comes shortly after Westchester Community College was rocked by an academic transcript fraud scandal. As was first reported in The Journal News, four former WCC men”™s basketball players had used fraudulent transcripts produced by an assistant coach to transfer to four-year schools.
According to reports, the National Junior College Athletic Association, the SUNY chancellor”™s office and the state inspector general”™s office were informed about possible transcript fraud over a year ago, with the NJCAA saying it had shared emails regarding the fraud allegations with Hankin. Hankin, however, told the Journal News he did not remember receiving the email.
Congratulations Ms. Belinda S. Miles on your position as the new President of Westchester Community College. As the aunt of a nephew who attends Westchester Community College, I’m excited to see what wonderful changes your implement.
Wishing you continued success!