CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez has issued a statement expressing his support for Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State address. The Chancellor commended the Governor for outlining a transformative agenda that addresses persistent health and economic inequalities through critical investments in academic and research opportunities.
In his statement, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez highlighted the alignment between Governor Hochul's agenda and the values shared by the City University of New York (CUNY). He specifically mentioned CUNY's pride in joining the newly formed consortium of higher education institutions, Empire AI, which aims to make New York a national leader in artificial intelligence through collective research capabilities.
Furthermore, the Chancellor emphasized the importance of investing in research and college-to-career pipelines, citing Governor Hochul's support for the Science Park and Research Campus Kips Bay Master Plan. He recognized the significance of these investments in keeping New York's economy growing.
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez also praised the Governor's proposals aimed at promoting educational equity and providing opportunities for New Yorkers to succeed. He commended the bold step of automatically admitting students from the top 10 percent of each high school class to CUNY and SUNY, stating that it would ease the college transition for countless families. The Chancellor also applauded the Governor's universal FAFSA proposal, SNAP expansion, and "Back to Basics" initiative to expand Science of Reading instruction, which will empower a new generation of students and teachers to realize their potential.
Beyond academic and professional success, the Chancellor emphasized the role of public institutions of higher learning as incubators of civic engagement. He embraced Governor Hochul's voter registration efforts and statewide civic service initiative, highlighting CUNY's readiness to advance these initiatives.
In conclusion, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez expressed his gratitude to Governor Hochul for her continued support and partnership. He acknowledged the unique challenges and potential of CUNY campuses as part of the nation's largest and most diverse urban university system. The Chancellor believes that Governor Hochul's proposals will make a significant difference in the lives of CUNY students and help lift New York as a whole.
This statement from CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez reflects the enthusiasm and support of the university system for Governor Hochul's transformative agenda. It highlights the alignment of values and shared commitment to civic engagement, economic opportunity, and social mobility between CUNY and the Governor's vision for New York.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www1.cuny.edu/mu/forum/2024/01/09/statement-from-cuny-chancellor-felix-v-matos-rodriguez-on-governor-hochuls-2024-state-of-the-state/
