Eighth SUNY Broome president named ahead of Drumm's retirement at end of June

The SUNY Broome Community College's Board of Trustees named the college's eighth president Tuesday.

Dr. Tony Hawkins will take office on July 1, 2023, succeeding Dr. Kevin Drumm who announced his retirement in May 2022 after 13 years at the helm.

"He is a dynamic, innovative leader and we are confident that he will successfully lead SUNY Broome into the future and further the college's commitment to excellence," SUNY Broome's Board of Trustees chair, Kathryn Connerton, said in a statement Tuesday.

Hawkins' appointment joins that of three other SUNY schools: Dr. Peter Nwosu, SUNY Oswego, Dr. Daniel Dupee II, Jefferson Community College and Dr. Lester Sandres Rápalo, Rockland Community College.

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Hawkins, born and raised in Washington D.C.'s metropolitan area, earned his bachelor's degree from Towson State University, master's degree from the University of Georgia, a certificate of advanced study from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education and Ph.D. in education leadership from New York University.

He recently served as provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, continuing education and workforce development at Frederick Community College in Maryland.

Prior to that, he also served as the college-wide Dean of Humanities at Montgomery College in Maryland, where he received the On Their Shoulders We Stand Award in 2013.

Hawkins also received the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, which recognizes graduate students who show exemplary promise as future leaders of higher education, from the American Association for High Education in 1999.

He is also a member of the Actors' Equity Association.

“I am honored to join the SUNY Broome community in providing the most enriching, innovative, vibrant and welcoming educational and workplace experience for students, faculty and staff," Hawkins said in a statement Tuesday. "I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the years ahead. I am extremely excited to lead SUNY Broome's talented and dedicated staff who create the environment necessary for students to succeed."

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Eighth SUNY Broome president named, Drumm retires at end of June