The Installation of President Jerry Balentine, D.O.

On October 16, surrounded by respected colleagues, family, and friends, Jerry Balentine, D.O., was installed as the fifth president of New York Institute of Technology.

“I’m honored and humbled to be the fifth president of New York Institute of Technology. Tonight is a celebration of our past—what got us here. And our potential—where we will go in the future,” said President Balentine.

He assumed this role on July 1, sharing a bold vision for the university that combines traditional strengths with emerging needs, including enhancing the school’s co-op opportunities that often lead to employment and integrating artificial intelligence across all programs.

In his address, he laid out his vision for New York Tech. It will be the school that students choose because they know it will deliver careers, intellectual growth, value, and return on investment.

“And, as a result, we will deliver to society at large our graduates, who are the doers, makers, innovators, and healers,” President Balentine said. “I want New York Institute of Technology to be the home and sponsor of careers and dreams. We must be the engine that changes students’ lives. Make their dreams come true and ensure them great jobs and great careers. That is at the essence of what higher education should be doing for everyone, helping create the next generation of world citizens.”

Speaking on behalf of the undergraduate student body, mechanical engineering student T’Ron Strapp offered these remarks to President Balentine, the board, faculty, and staff: “We ask that you continue to listen to our voices, embrace our ideas, and ensure that New York Tech remains a place where creativity and innovation thrive,” said Strapp. “We look forward to your leadership in building a future where New York Tech continues to transform students into leaders, dreamers into doers, and challenges into opportunities.”

Other speakers included Academic Senate President Kevin O’Sullivan, D.Sc., Ph.D. student Brianna Hobert (B.S. ’23, M.S. ’24), Arkansas State University System President Brendan Kelly, Ph.D., Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Bernard’s Health System Eric Appelbaum (D.O. ’97), and New York Tech Board of Trustees Chair Peter J. Romano (B.Arch. ’76).

“Here’s what New York Tech taught me: We don’t need to build a telescope to see the stars. They are standing right here with us. Our students, faculty, staff, and community. Because that’s who we are at New York Tech. People who shine bright, while keeping our feet firmly on the ground,” said Hobert, the graduate student representative who wants to be an astronaut. “President Balentine, we are excited to have you leading this constellation of bright stars.”

Romano presented President Balentine with the seal of the university.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’m very happy to welcome you…and helping us lead this great institution into the future,” said Romano.

A Week of Community and Celebration

The New York Tech community participated in a week-long celebration of events, including:

• Inauguration Week Kick-Off at AutumnFest on Long Island on October 14
• Donor and VIP Meet and Greet with President Balentine on October 15
• 11th Annual Cast Iron Chef Cooking Competition on October 15
• Coffee with the President in New York City on October 16
• AutumnFest in New York City on October 16
• Alumni Mixer on October 17
• Startup Tech Central Ribbon Cutting on October 20
• Coffee with the President on Long Island on October 21
• School of Health Professions Fall Dean’s Speaker Series: GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss: Navigating the Pros and Cons on October 21
• College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Panel: Women in STEM on October 21
• NYITCOM Community Health Event: What’s New and Exciting in Cardiovascular Medicine: 2025 Update on October 21

Read more about President Balentine in “A Bold Prescription for Higher Education” in the fall 2025/winter2026 issue of New York Institute of Technology Magazine.