Office of the President

During my tenure as President of Queensborough Community College, I cannot remember a time that has been met with such excitement and anticipation.

We are honoring Queensborough on its 50th Anniversary during the 2009-2010 academic year with special events, reunions, showcases, performances and much more as our Queensborough community – both inside and outside the College – comes together to celebrate the achievements of the College and recognize its bright future. As I reflect on the extraordinary transformations the College has undergone in the past half-century, I can only imagine the leaps and bounds Queensborough will make in the years to come.

Queensborough reflects the uniqueness of the local Queens community - the most diverse county in the United States. We distinguish ourselves from other higher education institutions in America with our diversity of cultures, including nearly equal populations of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians and Latinos. In fact, close to half of our students were born in another country, and 47% speak a language other than English at home.

Our recent surge in enrollment brings the student population to nearly 15,000 with students enrolled in Associate degree or certificate programs and another 10,000 students attending continuing education programs on our campus. Community colleges like Queensborough are used by many, especially in these difficult economic times. The cost of attending Queensborough is much less than that of an independent college away from home. For some, Queensborough is used as a launching pad for a baccalaureate education which they will pursue after they earn their Associate degree; for others it is a place to retrain, gain a particular skill or engage in a particular intellectual pursuit.

When I became President in 2000, my goal for the College was to provide a private school environment in a public setting. I am proud to see that our methodical preparations are turning these promises into reality.
The Freshman Academies, which officially launched in the fall, offer every first-time, full-time student personalized academic advisement and student support services through their first two semesters, establishing an atmosphere that nurtures the growth of the individual student in a supportive environment. While other colleges have implemented similar programs, Queensborough is the only community college to offer the initiative institution-wide, encompassing every program of study. This institution is committed to increasing the retention and graduation rates of our students and is confident that the Freshman Academies will help to accomplish that goal.

One of the hallmarks of an academically outstanding institution is research. Our esteemed faculty—nearly 60% hold doctorates— are actively engaged in community college research to study and improve the teaching methodologies to benefit our students, publish scholarly books and articles, conduct research, and compete internationally in academic forums. The faculty is equally dedicated to the success of their students and encourages them to pursue their own intellectual development.

We are especially proud of our magnificent new home for the Kupferberg Holocaust Center, which opened in October of 2009. This inspiring glass and steel structure now graces the College’s entrance and serves as a constant reminder to the entire community the value that the College places on educating current and future generations about the ramifications of prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

I encourage you to visit the College to enjoy the beauty of its 37 green acres, to experience our new Kupferberg Holocaust Center, view great artwork at our QCC Art Gallery or enjoy a Broadway-style show at our Performing Arts Center among the many events hosted this year in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. 

Dr. Eduardo J. Martí, PhD
President