Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormick delivered his first State of the University address on September 25. He discussed how the university plans to meet its challenges while continuing to excel as New York's flagship university.

McCormick, who joined Stony Brook on August 1, previously served as president at Rutgers University and the University of Washington. He shared his extensive experience in higher education during his address. McCormick holds a PhD in history and provided “a brief history lesson” on the importance of higher education, emphasizing Stony Brook's role in American higher education.

McCormick highlighted the university’s historic enrollment increase this fall. “Their presence testifies to our university’s reputation as a top choice for talented, diverse, and ambitious students from all backgrounds across New York State, the nation, and the world,” he said.

He noted that over 40 percent of Stony Brook undergraduates receive federal Pell grants. “Which means they come from [financially qualifying] families. And, by the way, our Pell students graduate at a rate that is slightly higher than that of the rest of the student body,” he added.

McCormick praised the university’s philanthropic efforts, including securing $655 million in contributions this year. He acknowledged Jim Simons' passing and recognized his and Marilyn Simons' generosity towards Stony Brook University.

He also commended Stony Brook Medicine for its contributions to Long Island's health and wellness. “They do so through the proud stewardship of the Long Island State Veterans Home and various other health care programs,” he said. He mentioned that Stony Brook University Hospital is one of eight hospitals in the U.S. to attain Health Care Equity Certification from The Joint Commission.

McCormick thanked those who helped recover from campus flooding at the start of the fall semester and expressed gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for naming Stony Brook a flagship university of New York State. “That designation is a point of pride, but it must also be our North Star,” he stated.

While celebrating achievements, McCormick identified institutional challenges such as deferred maintenance amounting to $2 billion. He announced plans for a comprehensive facilities master planning process to improve campus facilities.

He revealed that Stony Brook will launch a new Shared Resources Organization this year to support high-performance computing and establish a $10 million Venture Fund among other initiatives. Additionally, McCormick plans to appoint a faculty task force co-chaired by Bill Wertheim and Brenda Anderson to enhance cooperation between medical programs and other academic areas.

Addressing student housing needs due to growing enrollment and high retention rates, McCormick said his administration is developing solutions for future housing requirements.

He also introduced the Stony Brook Future Scholars Program aimed at mentoring disadvantaged eighth graders through high school with promises of free tuition for those admitted to Stony Brook on their merits.

In closing, McCormick challenged the community: “Let’s take our university to the next level. Let’s be a true flagship. We can do it together.”

The address was delivered at the Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage before an audience comprising students, faculty, staff, healthcare workers, elected representatives, and local community members. It was also livestreamed online with hundreds watching remotely. A reception followed at Staller Plaza.