The President's Rounds - 2025 Fall

Dear friends,

I am honored to serve as the fifth president of New York Institute of Technology. I look forward to meeting many of you as we continue the 2025–2026 academic year with great optimism and excitement for the future of this university.

While higher education is undergoing significant scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum, nearly all legislators agree that universities should provide a solid return on investment for students, relevant curricula, transparency and accountability, and strong research and economic development. It is in this environment where I believe that New York Tech thrives, offering academic programs in growing fields that lead to rewarding careers. Moreover, we are committed to strengthening our research enterprise and partnering with industry to expand workforce development, connecting our graduates with top employers in their fields.

At our annual convocation on August 28, I outlined my vision to faculty and staff that focused on several key initiatives. Among them:

Enhancing our academic offerings to meet the evolving needs of our students and the marketplace, with a focus on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing several careers
Research experiences for undergraduates, as they provide valuable opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and prepare for graduate school and beyond
Fostering a sense of belonging and community across all our campuses, with a particular focus on student retention and helping them achieve success

One way we plan to enhance the student experience is through our Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy. Its first deliverable, Startup Tech Central, officially launched in October. This resource provides a space for students across all majors to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Read more.

Likewise, strengthening our relationships with our alumni, government officials, industry leaders, and other friends of New York Tech is equally important. These connections help support development and fundraising efforts that lead to further growth in forms such as mentoring programs, scholarship support, research collaborations, and more.

As we pursue these many opportunities that lead to future success, I wish to thank the readers of this magazine for your continued interest in New York Tech. I look forward to sharing many exciting developments in the years ahead as president, and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the many achievements of our students, faculty, and staff.

Sincerely,

Jerry Balentine, D.O., FACEP

President

Magazine Staff

Associate Director, Editorial: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch Vice President, Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications: Joseph Posillico, Ed.D. Senior Director, Strategic Communications: Libby Sullivan Senior Director, Digital Marketing and Creative Services: Erica Pennant Contributors: Bhaswar Bhattacharjee, Diane DiPiero, Allison Eichler, Ashley Festa, Renée Gearhart Levy, Sean Nalaboff, Casey Pearce, Joann Plockova, Carina Storrs, Libby Sullivan, Kim Tucker Campo Copy Editor: Kathleen Scheiner Art Director: Lixia Guo

Alumni Relations

Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and External Affairs: Patrick Minson, Ed.D. Director, Alumni Relations: Sabrina Polidoro Coordinator, Alumni Relations: Kelly Imperial (M.B.A. ’19) Coordinator, Alumni Relations Vancouver, BC: Alexandria Smith

NYITCOM Alumni Relations

Assistant Director, Alumni Relations: Kathryn Karwoski Specialist, Alumni Relations: Jared Meltzer

New York Institute of Technology Magazine welcomes submissions, story ideas, and feedback. Unsolicited manuscripts, related materials, photography, and artwork will not be returned. Please include your year of graduation, degree completed, and major or program of study. Email magazine@nyit.edu, or write to: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

Update your contact information or mailing address: alumni@nyit.edu or 516.686.7800.

New York Institute of Technology Magazine is published by Strategic Communications, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

The publication is distributed to alumni and other members of the New York Institute of Technology community. Copyright ©2025 NYIT. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

LET’S BE FRIENDS

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