Tomás Morales '75 believes that public institutions of higher learning can transform lives.

He has seen it happen in his own life. The New Paltz alumnus began his tenure as the third president of the College of Staten Island, a senior college within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, in August 2007.

His passion for the public educational system stems from his 33 years of experience with public education, which began at New Paltz.

In addition to earning his bachelor's degree from New Paltz, Morales worked at the college for more than 15 years as counselor, and then director, of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); assistant vice president for student affairs; and assistant dean of the School of Education.

"New Paltz not only provided me with my baccalaureate experience, but my professional experience as well," he says.

Morales eventually earned his graduate and doctoral degrees from the University  of Albany before heading out west to accept a senior administrative position within the California State University System.

Back on the East Coast, as president of the College of Staten Island, Morales adheres to the same philosophy that has guided him through his academic and professional college experiences. He says public colleges have a responsibility to create learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.

"I really believe that students who connect with faculty and staff – and each other – tend to persist and graduate at higher rates," he says.

Morales remembers connecting with a number of faculty and staff members at New Paltz when he was a student and says he is in contact with many of his mentors and former colleagues. The proud alumnus even maintains his close association with New Paltz on Staten Island. He recently reconnected with a group of alumni from the EOP at New Paltz, who are now working in Staten Island.

"New Paltz is still a very special place to me and my family," he says.