Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY)

Background

Queensborough Community College (QCC), a constituent of The City University of New York (CUNY), is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that fosters academic excellence and social mobility. Situated in Bayside, Queens, QCC serves a diverse student body, reflecting the multicultural fabric of its community. The college offers a range of associate degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for further education and career advancement.

Key Strategic Focus

QCC's strategic objectives center on enhancing student success through comprehensive support services, innovative academic programs, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. The college emphasizes the following areas:

Academic Excellence: Offering 44 transfer and degree programs across 17 academic departments, including Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees.

Student Support: Implementing initiatives like the Queensborough Academies, which provide structured academic advisement and high-impact practices to support student engagement and retention.

Diversity and Inclusion: Serving a student population representing 109 nations and 78 native languages, QCC is committed to promoting equity and inclusion within its community.

Financials and Funding

As a publicly funded institution, QCC maintains a commitment to affordability and fiscal responsibility:

Tuition: In-state full-time degree students pay $2,400 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $320 per credit.

Financial Aid: Approximately 79% of first-time freshmen receive grant aid, primarily through Pell Grants, with over 60% of all students benefiting from financial assistance.

Operating Budget: In the 2022 fiscal year, QCC reported total expenditures of $213 million, with salaries accounting for $106 million.

Technological Platform and Innovation

QCC integrates technology and innovative practices to enhance educational outcomes:

Online Learning: The college offers online courses and programs, including a fully online business degree, to accommodate diverse learning preferences.

Research Initiatives: Faculty engage in pedagogical research to improve teaching methodologies, with 70% of full-time faculty holding doctoral or terminal degrees, three times the national average.

Leadership Team

QCC's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing the college's mission:

Dr. Christine Mangino, President: Appointed as the sixth president, Dr. Mangino previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hostos Community College. She holds a doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership from St. John's University.

Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs: Joining QCC in August 2023, Dr. Curtis-Tweed brings experience from her role as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Bermuda College. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Emory University.

Dr. Gissette Forte, Vice President for Finance and Administration: Appointed in August 2023, Dr. Forte previously served as Assistant Vice President for Budget and Finance at Brooklyn College. She holds a doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Educational Leadership from Edgewood College.

Leadership Changes

Recent appointments include:

Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed: Appointed as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs in August 2023, succeeding Dr. Sandra Palmer.

Dr. Gissette Forte: Appointed as Vice President for Finance and Administration in August 2023, succeeding William Faulkner.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in New York City is characterized by a diverse student population and a focus on providing affordable, quality education. Institutions aim to facilitate seamless transfer pathways to four-year colleges and offer programs aligned with workforce demands.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include other CUNY community colleges such as LaGuardia Community College and Borough of Manhattan Community College. These institutions offer similar associate degree programs and have established transfer agreements with four-year colleges. QCC differentiates itself through its unique cultural centers and commitment to high-impact educational practices.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

QCC has established significant partnerships to enhance educational opportunities:

Baruch Business Academy: A collaboration with Baruch College allowing QCC students who complete an Associate in Science degree in Business Administration to seamlessly transfer to Baruch's Bachelor of Business Administration program.

Queensborough Male Resource Center: Established in August 2023 with a $450,000 donation from Robin Hood, this center aims to support male students, particularly self-identified Black and Latino males, through mentorship, academic tutoring, and career counseling.

Operational Insights

QCC's strategic initiatives focus on enhancing student retention and graduation rates through comprehensive support services and academic advisement. The college's commitment to diversity and inclusion positions it as a leader in serving a multicultural student body.