York Alumna and Adjunct Lecturer Honored for Excellence and Mentorship

Everyone at York College seems to know Regina Misir -- some by name, others by face -- but together they reveal a remarkable teacher, mentor, and human being.

A proud York alumna (Class of 2006), Misir graduated summa cum laude and with honors from the English Department before earning a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on ABA from Purdue University. Despite her many accomplishments, she describes herself first as “the mother of two children and grandmother of two wonderful boys.”

Her students, however, know her as a dedicated educator and advocate. In Spring 2025, they nominated her for York’s inaugural Yemmy Awards, the college’s creative take on the Emmys initiated by President Claudia Schrader to recognize faculty excellence. Misir received two awards that evening: Excellence in Student Success and Excellence in Mentorship, both of which were based on student nominations.

Regina Misir's journey from Guyana to New York City in 1991 was a leap of faith. Leaving behind a successful business, she and her husband brought their entrepreneurial spirit to the city, opening a laundromat.

Misir eventually enrolled in a course at York College, marking the beginning of a transformative academic journey. “My academic journey was shaped by mentorship, resilience, and a strong sense of community,” she said. “It began with Dr. Wynne Shilling, with whom I worked as a research assistant for the Literacy Enhancement Project. She believed in me when I doubted myself and, knowing my fear of math, introduced me to Dr. Farley Mawyer from the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. His support helped remove the barrier that once held me back.”

She was later embraced by the Teacher Education Department, which she refers to as her “academic family.” Faculty celebrated her success, even dedicating a bulletin board to post her grades each semester. “I was also fortunate to study under Dr. Helen Andretta from the English Department, whose passion guided me to excel as an English major,” Misir recalled. “Later, as a York College Scholar, I was mentored by Professor Janice Cline, whose wisdom strengthened both my academic and personal growth.” She also credits Dr. Donna Chirico, who first hired her to teach in the Psychology department and supported her growth there.

Now an adjunct lecturer and an accreditation specialist in the Teacher Education Department, Misir reflects on her journey as “a story of persistence, gratitude, and community.” She strives to give back what she once received. “I leaned on mentors, and now I make sure to give back by supporting students, modeling determination, and showing that challenges can be overcome,” she said. “The 2025 Yemmy Awards affirmed that I’ve been successful in this effort.”

In addition to her degrees, Misir is a certified teacher of Students with Disabilities (Birth–Grade 2) and provides early intervention and SEIT services for children ages 1–5 who are developmentally delayed or on the autism spectrum.

Widowed since January 2024, Misir has turned grief into motivation.  “The passing of my husband deepened my understanding that life is unpredictable,” she said. “It’s inspired me to use every moment to contribute positively to others -- students, colleagues, and young learners alike….”

Her students echo that impact:

“Professor Misir is an inspiring educator and true advocate for her students. She leads with her heart and genuinely cares," saidTarisha McDuffie.

“She continuously supports and checks in on us. Her class could be challenging, but she always ensures every student succeeds….” said Nabila Hossain.