Yesterday afternoon I had an opportunity to briefly address members of the Broome County Legislature at a public hearing on the proposed College Budget. It was a chance to tell a little of the BCC story by highlighting enrollment growth, programming, and the role of faculty and staff in making quality educational experiences happen here. After noting that BCC now counts over 41,500 grads, I asked those in the room how many had either themselves or their immediate family members taken part in educational programming at Broome Community College. Virtually everyone in the room raised his or her hand. Although I am sure that comes as no surprise to any of you, it certainly visibly demonstrated the impact that this college has on the area.
I also spoke briefly on enrollment projections for the coming year and noted that despite an increase in tuition which always concerns those of us committed to student access to quality and affordable education, tuition-levels at Broome still compare very favorably within SUNY.
Following the public hearing which drew no comments other than mine, the Education, Culture and Recreation Committee endorsed the proposed budget unanimously. The next steps in the budget process involve the Legislature’s Finance Committee and the full Board on July 16.
While at the County Building, I also had an opportunity to chat informally with many of the Legislators and heard several very affirming comments about the College and the education your efforts create.
Again, each day I also meet more members of this college community and I look forward to meeting and learning more from all of you.
Enjoy the day.
John Deans, Interim President
