Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormick delivered his first State of the University address on September 25. He discussed how the university will tackle challenges while maintaining its status as New York's flagship university.
McCormick, who previously led Rutgers University and the University of Washington, joined Stony Brook on August 1. In his address, he shared his extensive experience in higher education. Holding a PhD in history, McCormick provided “a brief history lesson” on the importance of higher education and highlighted Stony Brook’s role in American higher education developments.
McCormick noted the university’s record enrollment increase of first-year students this fall. “Their presence testifies to our university’s reputation as a top choice for talented, diverse, and ambitious students from all backgrounds across New York State, the nation, and the world,” he said.
He also pointed out that over 40 percent of Stony Brook undergraduates receive federal Pell grants. “Our Pell students graduate at a rate that is slightly higher than that of the rest of the student body,” he added.
Acknowledging philanthropic efforts, McCormick mentioned securing $655 million in contributions this year and recognized Jim Simons and Marilyn Simons for their long-term generosity towards Stony Brook University.
McCormick praised Stony Brook Medicine for its contributions to Long Island’s health and wellness. “They do so through the proud stewardship of the Long Island State Veterans Home,” he said. He also highlighted that Stony Brook University Hospital is one of eight hospitals in the U.S. to attain Health Care Equity Certification from The Joint Commission.
He thanked members of the SBU community for their efforts during campus flooding at the start of the fall semester and expressed gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for naming Stony Brook a flagship university of New York State. “That designation is a point of pride, but it must also be our North Star,” he stated.
McCormick identified institutional challenges such as deferred maintenance amounting to $2 billion and announced plans to improve campus facilities through comprehensive master planning. He emphasized his commitment to persuading state leaders to support these improvements.
The president also introduced several initiatives including launching a Shared Resources Organization for high-performance computing, establishing a $10 million Venture Fund, creating an Angel Network, and making translational grants for researchers.
To enhance cooperation between medical programs and other academic areas, McCormick plans to appoint a faculty task force co-chaired by Bill Wertheim, MD, executive vice president for Stony Brook Medicine, and Brenda Anderson, professor of integrative neuroscience.
Highlighting student support needs like improved housing due to high retention rates and growing enrollment, McCormick assured ongoing efforts to develop solutions for future student housing requirements.
He announced the establishment of a Stony Brook Future Scholars Program aimed at mentoring disadvantaged local eighth graders through high school with promises of free tuition upon admission based on merit.
In closing, McCormick urged the university community to strive together towards greater achievements: “Let’s take our university to the next level. Let’s be a true flagship. We can do it together.”
The address took place at the Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage with attendance from students, faculty, staff, healthcare workers, elected representatives and local community members. It was also livestreamed online with hundreds watching remotely. A reception followed at Staller Plaza.
###