Stony Brook University has initiated working meetings for its Southampton Community Advisory Committee. The committee is tasked with offering strategic advice and guidance for the future development of the university's Southampton campus.
The Advisory Committee, which meets monthly, consists of 35 community members, government officials, and campus leaders. Members include representatives from various organizations such as the Shinnecock Nation Council of Trustees, the Long Island Association, and Suffolk Community College. Elected officials like Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., Senator Anthony H. Palumbo, and Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore are also part of the committee.
University leadership involved in the committee includes Dr. William Wertheim, Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine; Carol Gomes, CEO and Chief Operations Officer at Stony Brook Medicine; and Wendy Pearson, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives who leads these meetings.
“It was important that the committee accurately reflect the constituencies and industries in the East End," said Wendy Pearson. "We will continue to add more voices to ensure we have the right mix and balance.”
Pearson further stated that “the committee members are not here to serve as a rubber stamp but as a sounding board on our plans.”
The committee's responsibilities include providing strategic advice on proposed initiatives for the Southampton campus and serving as ambassadors within their communities.
Over the next six to nine months, they aim to work on a comprehensive plan informed by stakeholders for developing the Southampton campus.