Convocation 2026: Success in a Time of Change

On September 3, the New York Tech community celebrated the start of the 2026-2027 academic year at the university’s annual faculty and staff convocation, as well as the presentation of the Presidential Excellence Awards.

In his remarks, President Jerry Balentine, D.O., welcomed new and returning faculty and staff. Under the theme Success in a Time of Change, President Balentine reflected on the accomplishments over the past year, including the university’s three strategic initiatives: career outcomes excellence, student success and persistence, and sustainable growth. “We remain on our journey towards 2030, our 75th anniversary as New York Institute of Technology,” he said. “Every step this year moved us closer to that milestone. Our mission is unchanged and simple: We graduate our students into careers of their dreams, whether their dream is a job or graduate school.”

Despite the challenges higher education is facing—a shrinking college-age population, caps on federal student loans, and uncertainty in state and federal funding, among others—New York Tech is growing programs, the endowment is growing, and the university is financially sound, said President Balentine. “I want to thank everyone here today for their sacrifices to make this happen and acknowledge our faculty and AAUP leadership for working with me on this,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Balentine said the university will continue to look for opportunities to expand carefully and move New York Tech into the future. “I’m always excited when I can listen to new ideas from our faculty, staff, deans or vice presidents. Your input, your ideas, your dedication is what New York Tech needs,” he said.

Other speakers included Daniel Grassian, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president, Joseph Posillico, Ed.D., vice president for enrollment management and strategic communications, and Erica Pennant, senior director of digital marketing and creative services.

Grassian, who joined the university in July, took the opportunity to introduce himself to the community and shared his approach to his new role. He spoke about academic guiding principles and putting students first. “Whenever I think about making a decision, I always think about how this would affect students and how it could affect student success,” he said. Grassian also spoke about high-impact practices, such as internships, co-ops, undergraduate student experiences, and study abroad experiences demonstrating that they improve student success. “I’m very interested in helping us move the needle even more in that area,” said Grassian. He concluded by saying, “It’s not about me. It’s about the work and the community.”

Posillico and Pennant gave an overview of the university’s brand and brand management. “When we talk about brand, most people immediately think about a logo. And a logo is certainly an important part of the brand asset, but a brand is much more than that,” said Posillico. “Our brand is our story, it’s our voice, it’s how we present ourselves, and ultimately, how our students, families, partners, communities, experience New York Tech.” Pennant then introduced the university’s new campaign, For the Curious.

Watch the full presentations.

Presidential Excellence Awards

Following the presentations, the annual Presidential Excellence Awards were given to the following faculty and staff by the president and provost:

• Full-time Excellence in Teaching: Nicole Calma-Roddin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology and Counseling
• Part-time Excellence in Teaching: Janet Fink, Adjunct Associate Professor, Architecture
• Student Engagement in Research, Scholarship, or Creative Activities: Robert Alexander, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Psychology and Counseling
• Entrepreneurial Innovator: Michael Nizich, Ph.D., Director, Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Center
• Staff Excellence: Evgeniya Khan, Director, Associate Registrar, Registrar

Team Award Individual Awards

Tech Threads:

• Lynn Hart, Director, Student Engagement Initiatives and Employer Partnerships
• Tiffani Hinds, Ed.D., Associate Provost, Student Engagement and Development
• Joanne West (M.S. ’10), Director, Student Engagement and Development and Admin and Operations
• Adrienne McNally, M.S., Senior Director, Career Success and Experiential Education
• Mick Bradley, Administrative Assistant, Career Success and Experiential Education
• Beatrice Figueroa, Program Director, Tech Talks
• AnneMarie Morrisey, Executive Assistant, Student Engagement and Development

Welcome New Faculty

The community also welcomed new faculty joining the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the School of Health Professions:

College of Osteopathic Medicine:

• Joseph Holloway, Associate Professor, Biomedical Sciences

School of Health Professions:

• Christina Christensen, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies
• Danielle Murphy, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies
• Brittany O’Gara, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies
• Dianne Scimeca, Clinical Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies