DATE: December 5, 2022
TO: The SUNY Old Westbury Campus CommunityFROM: Timothy E. Sams, PresidentRE: John B. King Named SUNY Chancellor
I won't now go into great detail about his background as a former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama and New York State Education Commissioner prior to that. You can read more about his professional life in the news release SUNY issued earlier today.
I know Dr. King (and his family) personally from my days working at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while he served as New York's education commissioner. What I can tell you with great confidence from my relationship with him is that he will be true champion for our university system. I know that among the many issues that keep him up at night is equity in public schools and colleges. Like me, he believes our economy and democracy depend on addressing education.
He has been a leader in expanding access to higher education for every American and in ensuring that all students have the support they needed to finish college. His work has touched on all facets of the field -- from simplifying the financial aid process to, just last week, calling on policy makers and educational institutions to do more to achieve greater diversity among faculty. As SUNY Old Westbury continues to be a leader in providing access to liberal arts excellence for students and faculty, I can’t think of a better leader for our social justice efforts.
A former teacher himself, I know he believes that education has and must continue to save lives and improve our nation. I am very excited to be able to work with him in his new role.
Tim