News

Five BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program Students Accepted to Columbia University School of General Studies with Scholarship Funding

Five BMCC graduates—Paulette Ceara, Shaheim Kellum, Htet Aung Lin, Caleb Ogonodi, and Jean Stephane Kakou—have been accepted into Columbia University’s School of General Studies through the BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program. The five students are the second cohort of the highly competitive BMCC and Columbia University School of General Studies (GS) pathway program that was started in Fall 2024. It offers a seamless, jointly enrolled associate-to-bachelor’s degree pathway for high-achieving, under-resourced students. Upon acceptance to GS, the students receive scholarship funding that covers their full financial need for tuition and fees, as well as a stipend for housing and personal expenses. “Through our transformative BMCC-Columbia NYC Scholars Program, we are turning aspirations into tangible achievement and proving that community college is not merely a stepping stone, but a powerful launchpad for academic excellence, upward mobility, and lifelong success,” said Dr. Anthony E. Munroe, President of BMCC. “This extraordinary partnership with Columbia University School of General Studies embodies the very essence of BMCC’s motto, Start Here, Go Anywhere. These students, many from underrepresented, first-generation, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are demonstrating exceptional grit, relentless determination, and boundless potential. By providing a clear, fully supported, and seamless pathway from BMCC to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, we are not only expanding access to excellence—we are profoundly changing lives, strengthening our communities, and boldly redefining what is possible in higher education.” The students shared their powerful stories and personal journeys in a feature story posted on January 6 on the GS website.

Dispatches Coming in from BMCC Students Studying Abroad in Winter 2026

Messages from around the world are beginning to arrive from the more than 190 BMCC students who are studying abroad during the Winter 2026 term, thanks to the College’s partnership with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).  This is the largest cohort of study abroad students thus far. Among this term’s 18 different international destinations are Lisbon (Portugal), Amsterdam, Kyoto (Japan), the Dominican Republic, and Cape Town. One group of 15 BMCC students are taking a beginner Italian language course in Milan taught by BMCC Professor Patrizia Comello-Perry. The course combines language instruction with on-site, place-based learning. Professor Comello-Perry said her students, who had been in Milan just three days when the message arrived at BMCC, are already enthusiastic about the city and its culture. “It is colder than they expected,” said Professor Comello-Perry. “Today we saw The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) by Leonardo da Vinci. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the language and culture. They are curious about all the words they hear people speaking here and ask me to translate.”

BMCC Professors Receive $182K Teagle Foundation Grant to Implement NYC-Focused Civics Course

BMCC Professors Heather James, Ph.D. (Political Science), Shirley Leyro, Ph.D. (Criminal Justice), and Marci Littlefield, Ph.D. (Sociology and Ethnic Studies) have been awarded a three-year, $182,000 grant from The Teagle Foundation for the implementation of Harmony in the Metropolis: Discovering My Role in American Civic Life in New York City, a general education pathways civics course. Additionally, the grant will support three faculty summer institutes and two civics in the city summer camps for students. Dr. James serves as the Principal Investigator for the grant. The implementation award follows The Teagle Foundation’s initial planning grant award. The larger implementation grant program retains The Teagle Foundation’s focus on engaging students in the close reading of transformative texts such as The Declaration of Independence, John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government and the Bill of Rights while highlighting authors who “interrogate the canon” using the lenses of diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Ralph W. Davis Joins BMCC as Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Ralph W. Davis has been named Dean of Student Affairs at BMCC. Dr. Davis, who will serve in BMCC President Dr. Anthony E. Munroe’s cabinet, brings a wealth of experience in student success initiatives, administrative leadership, and strategic partnerships. Before joining BMCC, Dr. Davis most recently served as Dean of Student Services at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where he oversaw counseling, equity programs, the Transfer Center, and the College’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Center, while directing a budget of more than twelve million dollars and supervising a broad team of faculty, staff, and interns. Dr. Davis earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from California State University, a Master of Education in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stanford University.  He says he is looking forward to developing new and supporting existing programs that create opportunities for New York City students to achieve their educational goals. “Not only do I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of education, but my life is also a reflection of its impact,” said Dr. Davis. “I look forward to meeting students, collaborating with my colleagues, and rolling up my sleeves and working to continue BMCC’s legacy of success.”

BMCC Joins Assembly Speaker and Colleagues in Jamaica for Humanitarian Relief Effort

Representatives from BMCC joined a humanitarian relief effort organized by New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie to Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa. During the mission, which ran from December 18 through December 21, the delegation, consisting of the Speaker, along with 12 additional city, state, and federal legislators, as well as higher education institutions, community-based organizations, and representatives from the Jamaican consulate in New York City, distributed food, clothing, toys, and basic necessities to communities hit hardest by the storm.  The delegation visited primary schools, churches, and community centers across the parish of Westmoreland, where hundreds of people were able to benefit from the donated goods. With the largest population of Jamaicans living outside of Jamaica, New York City has a special bond with the Caribbean nation, as does BMCC through multiple existing partnerships on the island. BMCC’s involvement was built upon relationships between the College and Jamaican institutions, providing the opportunity to both support immediate humanitarian needs and lay the groundwork for potential BMCC-led academic and humanitarian initiatives in the future. Representing BMCC were Sanjay Ramdath, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Dr. Ronnie Ursin, Chair and Professor of the Nursing Department, and Douglas Israel, Director of Government and Community Relations. “The College was honored and humbled to be invited to participate in this Speaker-led post-hurricane relief effort,” said Mr. Israel. “Our participation reflects BMCC’s commitment to service, civic engagement, and social and global responsibility. Our hearts are with those struggling to rebuild their lives after the storm.”

Making Headlines

CUNY Chancellor cites BMCC student Stephanie Pacheco’s Poet Laureate achievement in Op-Ed

January 6, 2026—AM New York

English Professor Tracy Bealer contributes comment to column on true-crime podcast genre

January 3, 2026—Reality Blurred

Did You Know?

Announcements

Students Invited to BMCC Women in STEM Networking Event January 15: RSVP NOW

Students are invited to attend the BMCC Women in STEM event scheduled for January 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fiterman Hall conference center. The event offers the chance to meet and network with successful professionals in STEM fields. 

Attendees will:

• Learn about potential research and internship opportunities
• Discover which skills to develop for STEM careers
• Explore emerging topics in their fields
• Receive advice on the best courses to take

Who Should Attend:
Open to all students interested in STEM, professional development, and expanding their network.

Enjoy a light dinner served during the event.

RSVP now to join BMCC’s Women in STEM Networking event–space is limited.  Read more here.

Cafeteria Hours The BMCC cafeteria at 199 Chambers Street cafeteria is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fiterman Café will remain closed until the start of the Spring semester.

Call for Proposals: BMCC Transitions and Transactions Conference

BMCC’s English department invites faculty to submit paper and panel proposals for “Transitions and Transactions VIII: Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and the Classroom,” scheduled for April 17-18, 2026. The Transitions and Transactions conference is dedicated to helping community college teachers of literature flourish and excel as they envision, invent and expand ideas. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2026. For more information, visit the event’s web page.

Enrollment

Let Students Know, There's Still Time to Register for Spring 2026!

Please encourage students to attend BMCC’s Advising and Registration sessions, online or in person.

• January 12-16 & 20-23: Online via Zoom Meeting ID: 833 2685 8454, Passcode: BMCC
• January 20-23 & 26-30: In-Person at 199 Chambers St. Theater 1 (Student Ambassadors will guide incoming students.)

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m.- 5:15 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Please note that students can also register for Spring Express Sessions (7W1 and 8W2). Learn more.
For more info, visit the Panther Station webpage or contact Academic Advisement staff at (212) 220-8315 or aatc@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Human Resources

Annual Compliance Training Available Online

We are pleased to announce the launch of CUNY’s 2025–2026 annual compliance training program. All employees are required to complete their assigned trainings in Brightspace, the University’s new learning management system. This is the first year compliance trainings are being offered through Brightspace. We encourage all employees to log in and complete the required courses as soon as possible.

Required Trainings:

• ESPARC: Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Course
• WVP: Workplace Violence Prevention Training
• GBVT: Gender-Based Violence Training (Required for HR professionals and employees who supervise at least one direct report)

Deadlines:

• Full-time employees must complete all assigned trainings by May 29, 2026.
• Part-time employees, including adjuncts, must complete their trainings by May 29, 2026, or by the end of their employment for the semester, whichever comes first.
• Employees who become inactive in CUNYfirst will lose access to the trainings.

How to Access Your Trainings:
You have been automatically enrolled in your required compliance courses.
To get started:

1. Log in to Brightspace
2. Go to the "Compliance" section under My Courses

New employees will gain access the day after their CUNYfirst record becomes active.

Resources and Supports:

• Employee Navigation Guide
• Compliance Training FAQs
• Need help? Contact your campus compliance administrator.

Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all members of the CUNY community.

Calendar

MLK Days of Service

January 14

Don’t miss our Women in STEM Networking Event: Read all the details

January 15

NYC HRA Career Fair

January 22

Connect with BMCC

@BMCC is produced and published by the Office of Public Affairs.

Faculty and staff: Submit items for consideration in an upcoming @BMCC to publicaffairs@bmcc.cuny.edu by 12 noon, Wednesday.