March 1, 2019 -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer sat down with education leaders from Westchester colleges and universities to discuss academic programs, economic development and ways in which government can partner with institutions of higher education, so they can continue thriving in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Latimer said: “Part of what makes Westchester County so attractive to multi-national corporations, medium-sized businesses and start-ups alike, is our high concentration of institutions of higher education. Colleges and universities are an essential part of the lifeblood of the County's economy, and in order to maintain the economic vitality of Westchester, County government must work within itself, and with our partners in Albany and in Washington, to make sure these institutions of higher education have what they need to enroll students at all stages of their career."
The discussion included a strong emphasis on workforce development, where the County Executive learned about some of the academic programs offered at each institution, certificate programs and what programs can be modified or created in order to meet market demands.
Fordham University President Joseph M. McShane, S.J. said: “Fordham University has historically worked closely with the Westchester County Executive in supporting economic growth and providing unparalleled educational opportunities to Westchester residents. We look forward to continuing that work with George Latimer. Higher education is an engine of economic development, and in supporting Fordham’s mission, the County Executive ensures increasing prosperity and opportunity in Westchester.”
Westchester Community College President Dr. Belinda Miles said: “Emerging business and industry, like the North 60 Bioscience and Technology Center, creates opportunity to collaborate on state-of-the-art degree and certificate programs that prepare students for a wide range of new careers. With nearly 100,000 adults in Westchester County with some college credits but no degree, we have an opportunity to upskill and reskill today’s workforce for tomorrow’s jobs. Westchester Community College joins County leadership and our community partners in advocacy that ensures access to high quality education to meet these needs.”
Pace University President Dr. Marvin Krislov said: “Pace University has invested $100 million in recent years to transform our campus in Pleasantville, as part of our commitment to offer a cutting-edge education that addresses the needs of today’s workforce. We’ve added new programs with a focus on healthcare and information technology, including new degrees in occupational therapy, health information technology and cybersecurity. In Pleasantville and at our law school in White Plains, where we recently relaunched our popular part-time J.D. program, we’ll continue innovating to meet the needs of our students and of Westchester employers.”
Purchase College Officer in Charge Dennis Craig said: “On behalf of Purchase College, I was pleased to be a part of these very fruitful conversations. We’re currently very involved in workforce development in various fields including the health, tech, business and arts sectors. Through our alumni and other partners, we’ve been committed to sharing our expertise and resources by offering free and low-cost career building workshops in Yonkers, and by starting a new relationship with SUNY Upstate Medical University to help diversify the medical field. We look forward to continuing the discussions and forming new initiatives with our colleagues at other Westchester colleges in order to benefit the County.”
Iona College President Dr. Joseph Nyre said: “Westchester County is blessed to have such a strong healthcare and educational system. We’re pleased that County Executive Latimer is committed to partnering and taking action with both sectors to advance Westchester.”
The group, which met at Fordham University's campus in West Harrison New York, included:
- Fordham University President Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
- Michael Geisler, President, Manhattanville College
- Timothy Hall, President, Mercy College
- Cristle Collins Judd, President Sarah Lawrence College
- Marvin Krislov, President, Pace University
- Belinda S. Miles, President, Westchester Community College
- Joseph E. Nyre, President, Iona College
- Dennis Craig, Officer in Charge, SUNY Purchase College
- Keisha Martin, Government Relations Liaison, SUNY Purchase College