Dr. Williams Appointed Vice President for Student Affairs

President Berenecea Johnson Eanes hasappointed Dr. Karen Williams as Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at York College, CUNY.

“Karen has led the Division since being appointed interim Vice President in December 2020,” said President Eanes. “She will continue to provide leadership for the spectrum of resources and services in support of the College's student success mission and strategic plan.”

President Eanes added that throughout her two-year interim tenure, Dr. Williams has collaborated with Academic Affairs, “to establish enrollment and retention goals connected to the College’s budget, establishment of a SEM working group, and developed the highly successful One York Welcome Center/CUNY Reconnect launch where more than 300 adult students moved forward in fall 2022 on next steps to return to school.”

The President also cited Vice President Williams’ other initiatives, saying that she implemented a Student Advocate Program to assist students with issues impacting their retention addressing more than 100 cases in fall 2022, distributing more than $100,000 in emergency funding, and Wellness hires focused on 24/7/365 crisis management, (including a Dean of Students and Senior Director of Wellness and Resources) and the complete restructuring of the Counseling Department. She has also implemented new 24/7 telehealth and telecounseling services starting on February 1.

“Through all of these accomplishments, Karen has created a culture of care and support for York students which directly impacts retention and continuing student enrollment,” said President Eanes.

Asked what her first priority is now that she’s been made permanent Vice President, Dr. Williams responded that while there are many priorities, one stands above them all at the moment.

 “First, I am honored by the appointment, and I thank the President for the opportunity to continue to serve in this role. I am excited to be part of a community that fosters such a sense of belonging that when you become a Cardinal, it feels like you are coming home.  With that said, my number one priority is enrollment management. I am working with the Provost, in consultation with colleagues throughout the College, on a clear, measurable, and attainable strategic enrollment plan to enroll more of the students we admit, increase retention among our continuing students and promote earlier registration. We have the structure and resources to provide what students need to be academically successful.”

The Vice President is also looking to support enrollment through student services and co-curricular engagement.  “The services we provide must be student centered and focused on addressing barriers to student success, while also providing access to excellent co-curricular experiences. Our goal is to enrich the student experience through excellent programming and high impact practices that support retention, such as mentoring, support for first-year students, leadership and professional development, study abroad /study away, civic engagement, and service learning. 

Vice President Williams is preparing for incoming students this fall, along with Provost Brazill, as applications to York are already arriving. Congratulations on your appointment, Dr. Williams!