DCC President’s Address Highlights Innovation, Future Plans
Dr. Pamela Edington, DCC president, delivers remarks at the 25th annual State of the College Address.
January 25, 2018 – Approximately 150 local business and community leaders, donors and friends gathered today for the 25th Annual Dutchess Community College State of the College Address, formerly known as the President’s Breakfast. The remarks of DCC President Dr. Pamela Edington centered on the concept of Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds.
“We’re evolving to meet the changing needs of our county and developing mutually beneficial strategic partnerships to explore previously untapped potential,” said Edington. “Together, we will continue to improve lives for generations to come.”
Her remarks highlighted many of the College’s accomplishments over the past year, one of which was the Innovative Educators project. Approximately two dozen faculty members are developing and implementing changes to course content in math, science, English and other areas to help students better connect with the material and be more successful.
Edington also presented an update on the College’s service learning program, which combines community service with classwork to enrich the student experience and support local organizations. Since the program was established over two years ago, more than 2,000 students in almost 150 classes have provided over 20,000 hours of service to 50 local agencies that serve children, adults and families.
Additionally, Edington talked about developing an academic master plan that will enhance programs and resources to ensure a DCC education will continue to be of high quality and on the cutting edge. She also spoke about crafting a facilities master plan to make sure updates to the campus are in line with the changing needs of students and the community.
Edington also advocated for a redesign of New York state’s funding model for community colleges – which currently fluctuates based on enrollment – to a more predictable model of base aid similar to the one used for SUNY’s four-year schools. The proposed change would allow community colleges to plan more strategically for the future and better provide essential services for students.
In addition, it was announced that the DCC Foundation’s Annual Gala will be held on March 24. As part of the event, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mark Mahoney ‘83 and former Dutchess County Legislator Angela Flesland ‘06 will be inducted into the DCC Alumni Hall of Fame, community volunteer and R&C Cleaning Owner Cathy Temple will receive the Bernard Handel Community Leadership Award and Family Services will be presented with the Bridge to the Future Award.
The State of the College Address was hosted by the Dutchess Community College Foundation and sponsored by TD Bank.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education at the lowest tuition in New York state. Its main campus is in Poughkeepsie, with a satellite campus in Wappingers Falls. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.
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