Senate Resolution No. 1911

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Dr. Marcia V. Keizs upon the
occasion of stepping down after 14 years of
dedicated service as President of York College

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Dr. Marcia V. Keizs upon the occasion of stepping down
after 14 years of dedicated service as President of York College; she
will officially step down from this esteemed position on Saturday,
August 31, 2019, to return to teaching; and

WHEREAS, On February 14, 2005, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs became the sixth
president of York College in Jamaica, Queens; York, a senior college of
the City University of New York (CUNY) established in 1966, enrolls more
than 8,400 students in the liberal arts, career and professional
programs on its modern 50-acre downtown Jamaica campus; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, York
College has strengthened its academic programs by gaining national
accreditations and creating new academic offerings in Aviation
Management, Pharmaceutical Science, Journalism, Generic Nursing,
Logistics and Supply Chain, and Health Sciences, and bolstered the
college's partnership with the FDA; and

WHEREAS, Credited with placing York College firmly on the path of
excellence, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs has increased its full-time faculty by
approximately 40% and established an Undergraduate Research Program and
a collaborative Honors Program with the FDA, while structuring the
College into three distinct schools: the School of Business &
Information Systems; School of Health & Behavioral Sciences; and the
School of Arts & Sciences; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, student enrollment has grown by 25% with
freshman enrollment experiencing an unprecedented 61% growth over five
years; and

WHEREAS, During her illustrious tenure, President Keizs has led the
completion of multiple facilities renovation projects which have
enhanced the campus environment, including building an appropriate
technology infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, A firm believer in community service and academic
citizenship, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs serves as the CUNY Representative on
the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
Council of State Representatives; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she serves on the boards of the Morris Heights
Health Center, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Jamaica YMCA,

Regional Planning Association, and Governor Andrew Cuomo's Regional
Economic Development Council; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs previously served on the boards of the
NCAA Division III President's Council and the American Council on
Education's Commission on Effective Leadership; she is also the founding
editor of the New York Carib News; and

WHEREAS, A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs is a
graduate of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada (B.A.), and
Teachers College, Columbia University (M.A. and Ed.D); she holds a
certificate in Educational Management from the Harvard Graduate School
of Education; and

WHEREAS, With a career in education which has spanned more than 30
years, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs served as an English professor at CUNY before
transitioning to administration; prior to her appointment as President
of York College, she was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bronx
Community College/CUNY for seven years; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Dr. Marcia V. Keizs has continually demonstrated an impressive
dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for
the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at
York College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for
the entire community; and

WHEREAS, In completing her service as President, Dr. Marcia V. Keizs
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a
legacy to the students of York College and to the residents of Jamaica,
Queens; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dr. Marcia V. Keizs upon the occasion of stepping down
after 14 years of dedicated service as President of York College; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Marcia V. Keizs.