Dillard Alumna Appointed President Of CUNY-York College

Press release from Dillard University:

Dr. Berenecea Johnson-Eanes ‘88 has been appointed the president of the City University of New York-York College (CUNY York), effective August 1, 2020.

The Dillard alumna returned to CUNY as the interim president for CUNY York during the 2019-2020 school year. Before her role at CUNY-York, Dr. Eanes served six years as vice president for student affairs at CUNY-John Jay College of Criminal Justice from 2006-2012 and as vice president for student affairs at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) from 2012-2019.

“It is a great privilege to be selected by Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez to be the president of York College. York is a campus rich with a history and a diversity that is a reflection of the Jamaica, Queens, community it was built within,” Dr. Eanes said in CUNY’s press release of the news. “It has been a pleasure to serve as the interim president this past academic year and establish the new strategic plan and priorities that will drive the future of the college. Following our ‘One York’ theme, we will push ahead and work collaboratively to embrace the amazing opportunities and tackle the current challenges, together. I am humbled to be chosen to lead this amazing campus community that paves the way for local students to rise in social mobility and become global citizens.”

When congratulated by Dillard president Walter Kimbrough, via Twitter, Dr. Eanes replied, "Without Dillard no way no how."

When she assumed her role as interim president of CUNY-York, Dr. Eanes focused on executive team building, improving collaboration, cooperation, and transparency through the ranks of faculty and staff. She also led the revitalization of facilities, capital projects and budget infrastructure with the goal of building and initiating a culture of fiscal transparency and health.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Dr. Eanes implemented a system of distance learning and remote working while also launching a number of support services to help the most vulnerable students.

In an interview with Dillard’s Communications and Marketing office, Dr. Eanes shared that her dedication to education and service was shaped by the faculty and staff at Dillard University.

“I always tell people that I could not be who I am today, both personally and professionally, if it were not for my education from Dillard,” she said.

Dr. Eanes earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University, a Master of Social Work from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Dillard University.

This press release was produced by Dillard University. The views expressed are the author's own.