2025 Power Players in Education

Dr. Kevin C. Weinman embodies Marist’s distinctive “and” not “or” mindset, blending liberal arts and pre-professional studies by drawing upon his extensive leadership experience in both the corporate world and higher education. He has built a reputation as an active and engaging presence among Marist students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Weinman seeks to accelerate Marist’s rise as an international leader in higher education as the University approaches its centennial in 2029.

How has the educational landscape changed in recent years and what are your hopes for its future?
The educational landscape is rapidly evolving amid technological disruption, demographic shifts, and economic pressures. In this moment, the fusion of liberal arts and pre-professional studies is more vital than ever – developing leaders with critical thinking and adaptability. At Marist, we center students in all we do, delivering value and outcomes. I’m optimistic about our future based on the students I engage with every day and the impact I know they’ll have on communities worldwide.

What do you most enjoy about working in education?
What I most enjoy about working in education is the spirit of lifelong learning. As a student of history myself, I’m constantly exploring new questions and connecting past to present. But the real joy comes from engaging with students – their curiosity, energy, and fresh perspectives make every day rewarding. Helping them grow intellectually and personally is both a privilege and a source of inspiration.

As this year comes to an end, what are your goals for 2026?
I want to make sure everyone understands the value of a college degree. I deeply believe education can improve the world, and that means continuing to expand access to a Marist education for all forms of talent. We’ll focus on advancing career readiness, growing global opportunities, and ensuring students have access to a balance of challenging academic experiences and a thriving student life – because that combination is critical to personal and professional growth.

Frank H. Wu serves as the eleventh president of Queens College. Prior to joining CUNY, Frank served as chancellor and dean at UC College of the Law, San Francisco and as a member of the faculty at Howard University. Frank is the author of Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White. He received a B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan. He grew up in Detroit.

How has the educational landscape changed in recent years and what are your hopes for its future?
Higher education is the engine of the American Dream. The objective data shows that a college diploma generally improves graduates’ lives. In recent years, however, higher education – the institutions, the people who work there, the very concept – has come under sustained attack. My hope is that we will demonstrate what is true: the investment into our campuses and the degrees they award is worth it for society as a whole and for individuals.

What do you most enjoy about working in education?
I work in higher education because I believe in the change it brings. My parents came to these shores in the 1960s as graduate students, after the “Sputnik moment” persuaded policymakers that America had to recruit talent globally. I wouldn’t exist if it were not for that opportunity granted to my family. I want immigrants, their children, newcomers to NYC, and people who never thought they could pursue a college degree to have similar possibilities.

As this year comes to an end, what are your goals for 2026?
My goal is for us to enroll students, teach them, prepare them, and retain them until graduation, ensuring that everyone can earn a college degree. That means creating a community that respects people for who they are and introduces them to others they would not have encountered as equals if they had not attended Queens College. This goal extends to providing opportunities for young people so they can generate knowledge and creativity.

Baruch College President S. David Wu, the first Asian-American appointed as president in The City University of New York system, began his tenure in fall 2020. President Wu is leading key initiatives that affirm the top-ranked college as a national model for creating opportunities, demanding excellence, and delivering outcomes – at a turbulent time when public confidence in higher education is waning.