Finger Lakes Community College: February 18, 2025: 15/30

#visit-number-fifteen

Tuesday, February, 18, 2025 

The night before my visit to Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC), I was in Canandaigua, NY—the town the college calls home—to attend a vigil for Sam Nordquist, a transgender man who was tortured and murdered just outside the community. I was deeply moved to see Robert Nye, President of FLCC present as well—a quiet but powerful act of solidarity. We are living through difficult and often divisive times. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have been misrepresented, politicized, and weaponized in ways that undermine the very mission of higher education. This climate fosters ignorance and stokes fear, appealing to the lowest common denominator rather than our shared capacity for understanding and growth. In moments like these, I am especially grateful for leaders who choose courage over convenience and who uphold the values of equity and human dignity, even when doing so is not easy.

From left: FLCC Trustee Stephen Martin, Director of Honors Studies Trista Merrill, FLCC Board Secretary George Cushman, FCCC President Candice Vacin, FLCC President Robert Nye, FLCC Trustee Donna Mihalik, FLCC CGL/Professor of Visual & Performing Arts Milton Johnson

The following morning, I returned to Canandaigua for a packed and purposeful visit to FLCC. The day began with a lunch and dialogue that brought together faculty leaders, administrators, and members of the FLCC board of trustees. I was joined by the FLCC Campus Governance Leader, Milton Johnson, FCCC Delegate, Charlotte Cline, Alternate Delegate, Amy Flagler along with President Nye, Provost Ortiz, several trustees, and the Director of the Honors Program. It was clear from the conversation that both the administration and the board are deeply invested in the success of the college and its role as an economic and educational anchor in the Finger Lakes region.

From left: FCCC Delegate/Associate Professor of English, FLCC CGL/Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Milton Johnson, FCCC Alternate Delegate/Associate Professor Visual Performing Arts, FCCC President Candice Vacin

After lunch, I met with a large group of faculty members who generously shared both their challenges and accomplishments. The faculty at FLCC are incredibly dedicated, thoughtful, resilient, and creative. Their pride in being part of the FLCC story was palpable. I appreciated their candid reflections on what faculty need today and how they can be better supported in an academic environment that looks very different from when many of them first began their careers.

  

From left: FLCC Professor of Mathematics Charles Hoffman, FCCC President Candice Vacin

A personal highlight of the day was reconnecting with my former colleague, Charles Hoffman, who previously served alongside me on the Executive Committee and also represented FLCC as their Delegate. While we don’t get to speak as often as I’d like, I know that when I need guidance on an academic issue, he’s just a phone call away. One of the greatest rewards of being a part of the FCCC is the enduring friendships that grow from faculty connections across the state.

From left: FCCC President Candice Vacin, FLCC Provost Laura Ortiz 

Later in the day, I had the opportunity to sit down with Provost Laura Ortiz for a thoughtful conversation about the strength of the faculty and how best to support them. We also discussed the broader challenges facing our sector and how the Faculty Council can serve as a resource for provosts and academic leaders across SUNY.

My time at FLCC was packed with meaningful, honest, and energizing conversations. And I can’t sign off without acknowledging the swag bag—who knew I liked puzzles? Apparently FLCC does, and yes, they have their own custom puzzle! A sincere thank you to everyone who made this visit possible. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and inspired by the work being done on campus.