2022 Power Players in Education

Michelle J. Anderson was named the 10th president of Brooklyn College in 2016. Since that time, she has led the college in launching new initiatives, including the Brooklyn College Cancer Center and the Healthcare Career Hub. Under her leadership, the college has expanded funding for paid internships, increased graduation rates, enhanced faculty and leadership diversity, and improved faculty mentoring.

President Anderson has led the college through a time of excellent recognition, including being ranked in U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 “Most Ethnically Diverse College” in the Northeast every year since 2019, as well as being named as one of the “Best Value Colleges” in the nation by The Princeton Review over the same period.

Since the onset of the pandemic, President Anderson has worked tirelessly to keep all members of the campus community safe and to ensure that the students have what they need to succeed.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Substantial investment in public higher education is key to ensuring equitable access to quality education, as well as a more equitable society.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
Brooklyn College’s commitment to student success ensures a safe and effective learning environment. The College serves students from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on immigrants and first-generation college students, and is nationally ranked for both diversity and socioeconomic mobility. Its first-rate faculty are leaders in their scholarly fields, and its caring environment allows students to thrive.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
I had an English teacher in the 9th grade, Miss Chappell, who took the written word seriously. In her class we read challenging literature, traced themes, and she even helped us question the meaning of life. I read and wrote more than ever before. Miss Chappell was my first teacher who saw her central task as nurturing my intellect. She changed how I saw myself, and I will never forget her.

David C. Banks is chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the largest school system in the nation. David is a graduate of Rutgers University and received his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law. In 2003, David participated in the Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Principals at the Teachers College, Columbia University. In May 2014, David was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Education from Wheelock College. David lives in New York City. He has four adult children and three granddaughters.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Students in the City of New York should not have to leave their neighborhoods to receive a quality, engaging education. Policymakers in New York can work collaboratively with community-based organizations and the private sector to ensure that our students, no matter their neighborhood or borough, have access to additional programming and opportunities that will only add to their educational experience. Our students are fortunate to live in New York City and we need to start preparing our students now to be future global citizens.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
It is essential that every single one of our students is provided a safe and supportive learning environment so they can grow socially, emotionally, and academically. We need to ensure that our kids have access to the mental health supports they need, particularly as we come out of the pandemic, and they know they are safe in their schools and in their communities, which is why I am doubling down on reimagining school safety this year.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
I always stress the importance that adults have in motivating and encouraging students to achieve their potential; that support can be instrumental in the trajectory of a young person. In the 11th grade I took a law class. I always had an interest in the law and wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. As part of the class, I was invited to spend a couple of hours with an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in Queens. I was excited to have time to better understand the practice of law from someone doing the work every day. However, instead of talking me through his work and the practice of law, the ADA was completely disinterested and tried to steer me away from something he knew I was eager to learn more about. I have never forgotten this experience. It is one I never want our own students to experience. This individual was a “dream killer.” I want our educators to be “dream builders.” 

Sian Beilock is president of Barnard College at Columbia University, and the president-elect of Dartmouth College. A cognitive scientist by training, she is one of the world’s leading experts on why people choke under pressure and how to fix it. Her critically acclaimed books — Choke (2010) and How the Body Knows Its Mind (2015) — have been published in more than a dozen languages, and her TED talk has been viewed over 2.5 million times.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Policymakers should pair the human capital in the city’s colleges and universities with the needs of children, families, and teachers in the broader community — especially less resourced neighborhoods. A great example is Barnard’s “STEAM in the City” program, which provides pre-K through high school teachers with pedagogical instruction from the College’s top scholars, training them how to use spaces in public parks as environmental and design learning sites. In turn, our faculty and their students learn from the teachers and the work they do.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
Math anxiety limits who can enter careers in STEM, and my research has shown that a fear of math is often passed down to children from adults. Math phobias are especially prevalent among elementary school teachers, which ultimately derails learning. For that reason, we must do more to support our educators — to get them the training and resources they need to model more positive attitudes and emotions when teaching math.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
In third grade I switched school systems and I was suddenly lost — multiple grade levels behind. My teachers took notice, and they worked really hard with me. By the end of fourth grade, I was at the top of my class, and newly excited about learning. Without those third and fourth grade teachers investing time in me outside the classroom, I would not be where I am today.

Kyle McCauley Belokopitsky, Esq., is a tireless community volunteer, mom, attorney, and child advocate, serving as executive director of the New York State Parent Teacher Association. She was named to the City and State “2021 Education Power 100,” honored as a “Hometown Hero” by New York State Senator Daphne Jordan, and honored as a 2021 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction. Kyle is wholly devoted to her greater community and son’s school. Kyle lives by her favorite Dr. Seuss quote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Equality and equitable access to a high-quality 21st century education that meets the demands of our global economy continues to be one of our biggest challenges in the education community. From differences in basic student need and support, unequal home and school resources, lack of technology or broadband access, and differences in intervention and support services, we must continuously reassess, adapt and mobilize to meet students’ and families’ every changing need and provide the extensive and changing resources and support required to succeed in school, career, health, mental health, and life.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
Meaningful family engagement, a commitment to social emotional and mental health, positive school climates, and sound diversity, equity and inclusion principles continue to lead growth for our students. Our 2.6 million school children must be individually supported. That’s why PTA volunteers and educators work together to see that every child, no matter their race, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, spoken language, immigration status, or zip code, has access to a high-quality public education.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
Looking back over a long educational experience, I am always in awe of the dedication and commitment of our amazing teachers and educators. From my elementary school teachers, to my 8th grade advanced math teacher Miss Kostik, or my Biology teacher Mr. LaGatta, they each contributed a brick to a solid foundation and love of learning — reminding me that no matter the struggles faced, I truly could accomplish anything if I set my mind to it. Public education can truly transform lives, and together we can make every child’s potential a reality — there is no more important work.

Michael Benedetto represents District 82 in the New York State Assembly, where he has also served as chair of the Education Committee since 2019. During his time as Committee chair, Assemblyman Benedetto has sponsored and passed historic APPR legislation and has presided over hearings regarding the admissions requirements of New York City Specialized High Schools. Assemblyman Benedetto recently saw full funding of Foundation Aid enacted for the first time in 2021, and he also passed landmark legislation to expand protection of whistleblowers against retaliation.

Yomika Bennett is the executive director of the New York Charter Schools Association, a nonprofit membership organization that serves as a unified voice for the over 300 public charter schools and the 150,000 students that attend them, representing their interests at the local and state level. In this role, Ms. Bennett works to ensure that charter schools are recognized by lawmakers and other stakeholders as public schools that serve students from disadvantaged communities across the state.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Do not accept the status quo. Demand better results from the education system. Too many students are miseducated, undereducated and failed by the education system. Support education policies that are supported by research and best practices. Direct funding to what works. K-12 education policy and funding decisions should start and end with what’s best for children, families and communities — not school governance models or politics. And, of course, policymakers should understand that when it comes to charter education, it is one of the most powerful tools communities of color can use for self-direction toward greater community and economic development.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
First, the environment has to be welcoming for students. They have to know they belong in that environment. After that, rigorous curricula and high expectations along with strong and well supported teachers, staff, and administrators are necessary. Finally, a system that supports diversity — meaning people and cultures, of course, but also practices and environments. One size does not fit all.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
I don’t have one specific experience. There are many educational experiences that shaped the person I am today. I consider myself a lifelong learner, so I just hope I keep learning and expanding my horizons for the rest of my life.

Lee C. Bollinger became Columbia University’s 19th president in 2002 and is the longest serving Ivy League president. Under his leadership, Columbia stands again at the very top rank of great research universities, distinguished by comprehensive academic excellence, an innovative and sustainable approach to global engagement, two of the largest capital campaigns in the history of higher education, and the institution’s most ambitious campus expansion in over a century. President Bollinger is Columbia’s first Seth Low Professor of the University, a member of the Columbia Law School faculty, and one of the nation’s foremost First Amendment scholars. As president of the University of Michigan, Bollinger led the school’s landmark civil rights litigation in Grutter v. Bollinger, a Supreme Court decision that, for the first time, upheld the constitutional right of colleges and universities to engage in affirmative action to advance diversity in higher education.

Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., is president of St. Joseph’s University, New York. During his presidency, he has launched a new strategic plan, more than doubled the college’s endowment, added new academic programs, and started construction of a new multi-million dollar student center on its Patchogue campus. Dr. Boomgaarden is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, and also studied at the University of Vienna, where he was a Fulbright Scholar.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
In regard to higher education, New York State is blessed with a wide range of high-quality educational options across the public and independent sectors on all levels. However, State support for higher education programs such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Bundy Direct Institutional Aid have not kept pace with increasing costs. Students and their families know what’s best for them — by supporting all sectors of higher education equally, our students will have access to the education that will enable them to fulfill their individual dreams, much to society’s benefit.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
I couldn’t be prouder of the educational community as a whole — their passion and dedication enabled our students to survive this pandemic, quite frankly. Regardless of level, it all starts with a foundation of dedicated faculty and staff — with that, an institution will foster a strong culture focused on student support. Incorporate a forward-thinking approach to technology and a judicious eye towards allocating resources and you’ll be surprised how far you’ll go.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
My father was a Naval officer and he felt that my education needed to be well-rounded. While other 12 year olds practiced math, at night my father and I were learning the finer points of docking a naval warship. I recall him telling me that ‘you won’t learn all you need to know in life in school’ — I’ve taken that with me and promoted the importance of learning in- and outside of the classroom.

Lola W. Brabham is president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. CICU represents more than 100 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in New York. Ms. Brabham joined CICU after a 26-year career in public service, including as commissioner of the New York State Department of Civil Service. She possesses a dual bachelor of arts in Criminal Justice and Sociology from SUNY and a master of public administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
Independent sector students are New Yorkers. They are our state’s future entrepreneurs, health care workers, and educators. They deserve our support while they pursue their degrees and prepare to embark on their careers. By investing in college students, New York can ensure more students succeed in their pursuit of higher education and are prepared to heed the call of service in response to society’s most complex and pressing issues. The most effective way to ensure equitable access is to increase student aid.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
Private colleges in New York are focused on providing a world-class education to their students and the successful completion of their studies. Increasing student aid is crucial to a safe and effective learning environment as it allows the immediate needs of students to be met both financially and academically, thereby opening future opportunities that otherwise would not exist.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
I entered the Educational Opportunity Program at the University of Albany as the first in my family to go to college. I immediately understood the transformative qualities of higher education and its unique power to create life pathways and enable individuals to reach their highest potential. My job is to educate the public and elected officials about the immense impact New York’s 100+ private, not-for-profit colleges and universities have on students, families, and New York’s economy. I find it so rewarding to be part of something so meaningful.

Frances Bronet became Pratt Institute’s 12th president in 2018. Before coming to Pratt, Bronet, a distinguished educator and leader at the forefront of interdisciplinary learning, served as senior vice president and provost at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Previously, she served as acting provost at the University of Oregon; before that, she was the dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts (now the College of Design). Bronet began her academic career as a faculty member in the School of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

What can New York policymakers do to ensure equitable access to quality education?
A quality education is one that honors excellence and creativity. Neither exist without diverse voices. Respect and supportive infrastructure for the intellectual generosity of faculty are essential to students’ creative aspirations. Policymakers can commit to partnering with students, families, community leaders, teachers, and academic institutions to ensure equitable access to excellent education. Generous, not just adequate, school funding must be a priority. Support for teachers and appropriate, safe infrastructure and policies must be in place. We all want students to thrive as lifelong learners and contributors to a better NYC; measures to keep teachers and communities engaged are critical.

What conditions or resources are conducive to a safe and effective learning environment?
Effective learning spaces require conditions that support teachers and allow students to feel safe. Without appropriate measures for environmental safety, intellectual risks cannot take place. Fundamental support, from safety to professional development, will build the necessary diverse educator workforce. Diversity is the engine of creative practice. Interdisciplinary arts and design as paths for solving complex problems establish a culturally-responsive approach. More funding is needed for infrastructure that supports learning at any time, in any place.

Describe a learning experience from your own education that stands out.
For most of my life, the classroom was articulated as my place of “learning.” However, it was the spaces between and beyond that were the greatest engines of my trajectory. These included leading student government from elementary school to college, starting companies to generate income as a tween, being given freedom to determine my own learning modules in and out of the prescribed curriculum, having respected teachers who had enough flexibility to change direction based on the learning capacity of the class, and being able to see the continuity from my classwork to my leadership and external creative enterprises.