Today SUNY Broome celebrated its 8th president Dr. Tony Hawkins with an official inauguration ceremony, the first one in SUNY Broome's history. 

Although Dr. Hawkins has been the president for a year now, the inauguration serves as a way to invest leadership of the institution into the president formally.

Dr. Hawkins said, "Hopefully they will appreciate where I'm coming from. They will appreciate the occasion and we'll have a new start in building and growing SUNY Broome."

In his tenure at the college, he began with his 100 days of listening and learning to learn more about the college's values and he also pioneered SUNY Broome's new 2024-2027 strategic plan.

His dedication to his work has helped bring new hope, direction, and support to SUNY Broome.

Assemblyman Joe Angelino said, "We're all happy to invest in Dr. Hawkins and to be a part of this because he is going to be a significant change maker for the next generation coming up behind us. "

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, "He has a great sense of humor and brings, again, such a valuable perspective that will help raise everyone's vote in our community as we address the workforce. Challenges that we have in the colleges that are so important."

Dr. Hawkins reciprocated his praise for the community and said in his short time with SUNY Broome, he's hopeful for the future in a place he now calls home.

"I am very happy that the board of trustees selected me to lead this institution at this time. And very clearly I feel a sense of belonging, a sense of home, a sense of pride, and a community that I'm happy to be a part of," said Dr. Hawkins.