Dear New York Tech community,

As we head into the final weeks of the fall 2020 semester, I am happy to announce two senior-level appointments.

NYITCOM Dean and Vice President for Health Sciences and Medical Affairs Jerry Balentine, D.O., will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for New York Institute of Technology. In this role, he will lead new initiatives, expand research efforts for students and faculty, assist as we carefully manage budgets and personnel in this difficult time, oversee strategic resource allocation, and evaluate new opportunities for university growth and expansion.

Dr. Balentine has been a faculty member at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2009. He became vice president for health sciences and medical affairs in 2014, and was appointed NYITCOM dean in 2018. Though he will relinquish his current duties as dean, his new position will encompass the responsibilities he held as vice president for health sciences and medical affairs. His distinguished career has included serving as chief medical officer and executive vice president of St. Barnabas Hospital and Healthcare System in the Bronx, and as a hospital medical director, emergency department director, and residency director.

In addition, Chief Medical Officer and Associate Professor Brian Harper, M.D., will add the title of Vice President for Equity and Inclusion to his current responsibilities. In his new position, he will expand upon the role he plays as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force, where he leads a team of faculty, students, and staff in evaluating efforts to ensure that we are equitable and inclusive at New York Tech, establishing projects and activities that promote equity and inclusion, and creating a roadmap for continued success in these areas.

Dr. Harper joined New York Tech in 2012 and oversees our Academic Health Care Centers in Old Westbury and Central Islip. He served as the first African American commissioner of health for Suffolk County (N.Y.) and the first director of the Bureau of HIV Services at the Nassau County Department of Health, as well as senior vice president of community affairs at the Nassau University Medical Center and a physician at the Rikers Island Medical Unit. Along with Dr. Balentine and other senior leaders, Dr. Harper has played a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. This includes ensuring the safe reopening of our campuses as well as updating our community on the latest health recommendations and safety measures.

Drs. Balentine and Harper will continue to serve on the President's Council. Please join me in congratulating both on their new roles.

Sincerely,

Hank Foley, President
New York Institute of Technology