President Thomas Bailey outlined actions focused on strengthening research and student support in his annual State of the College address, emphasizing TC values as a critical strength in moving Teachers College forward.

“Our scholarship is important. Our research changes lives. And the fabric of our caring and committed community is the vital underpinning that brings these strengths together,” President Bailey told members of the TC community on Nov. 19. “I am 100% confident in our ability to meet this moment as we have done before in hard times.”

In addition to reflecting on the College’s accomplishments of the past year, President Bailey shared updates on how Teachers College is managing changes in the American higher education landscape. 

Research 

“Research is a core part of our mission and we will do everything we can to continue this work,” President Bailey said, noting that the past fiscal year included increases across proposal submissions and awarded funds, with notable awards from the Gates Foundation and the Bezos Family Foundation. 

Student Pathways 

Building on a long-held focus on facilitating student success, President Bailey reported on efforts completed and underway. Major achievements included the launch of the Cowin Student Success Hub, which streamlines student support and assistance, as well as the Cowin Career Closet, which helps students make the most of professional opportunities. The College also increased the capacity of the Office of International Students & Scholars to meet the demand for assistance, and embarked on new initiatives to support students across scholarship support, financial aid and loan sources. 

“All these efforts are designed so that we can continue to attract and support the best and brightest students, and continue our historic legacy of impact,” said President Bailey. 

Carousel

(Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

(Photo: Bruce Gilbert)

TC staff and faculty participated in Teachers College trivia ahead of the State of the College address. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

(Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

Tom Rock (center) with members of the Office of Public Safety and pies distributed in honor of State of the College. (Photo courtesy of Rock)

Key Efforts 

President Bailey also discussed additional initiatives related to the College’s strategic priorities. Teachers College continued to optimize its academic model by launching new programs, such as: an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership; an Ed.D. in Spirituality and Psychology; and a M.A. in Sustainability and Education. 

Teachers College also continued  to progress in digital innovation, with TC most recently partnering with StartEd to host the AI for Educators Summit as part of EdTech Week 2025.

Looking ahead, President Bailey emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to meet a critical moment for Teachers College and higher education more broadly. 

“Our success also requires your participation. Everyone plays a critical role here as we maintain our standards of excellence, from faculty mentors, to department administrators, to those providing support services, from IT to financial aid,” President Bailey said. “Thank you for joining me in ensuring continued leadership as an institution renowned for its research excellence and scholarly contributions – as well as its humanity.” 

Community

President Bailey noted that this year marked the creation of the Division of Community and Student Affairs, which streamlines operations by placing the Office of Community Affairs, the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID) and Student Affairs under the leadership of Tom Rock, Vice President for Community and Student Affairs. 

“We have a broad range of backgrounds and experiences that we bring together,” President Bailey said. “This is our strength.”

Celebrating This Year’s Elaine Brantley Award Winners 

Carousel

Pictured from left to right: Tom Rock, Vice President for Community and Student Affairs; Dewayne White, Executive Director of Campus Services; Dee Ibraheim, Legal Operations Manager in the Office of the General Counsel; Nicole Siniscalchi, Director of Operations & Strategic Planning; and Dewayne White, Executive Director of Campus Services; and President Thomas Bailey. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

Dee Ibraheim, Legal Operations Manager in the Office of the General Counsel, whose “dedication to uplifting others and to a civil community has helped to make TC absolutely one of the best higher education institutions to learn, live and work,” says Tamara J. Britt, Vice President and General Counsel. Pictured: Ibraheim with President Thomas Bailey. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

Nicole (“Niki”) Siniscalchi, Director of Operations & Strategic Planning, who “inspires us, supports us, and challenges us to be better, all while reminding us that how we treat people is just as important as what we accomplish,” says Kate Brittain, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. Pictured: Siniscalchi and President Thomas Bailey. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

Dewayne White, Executive Director of Campus Services, who “leads with integrity and steady judgment,” “puts the safety and well-being of others first,” and whose “nearly thirty years of service demonstrate a lasting impact on Teachers College,” says Elizabeth Greenleaf. Pictured: White and President Bailey. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert) 

As part of the annual gathering, Teachers College also honored the recipients of the Elaine Brantley Award for their profound contributions and dedication to the TC community. Honorees included Dee Ibraheim, Legal Operations Manager in the Office of the General Counsel; Nicole Siniscalchi, Director of Operations & Strategic Planning; and Dewayne White, Executive Director of Campus Services. 

Established in 2004, the award is named for the late Brantley, who worked in the TC dining hall for 24 years, and honors those who excel in making Teachers College a better place to work and learn. Brantley was “an inspiration to anyone she came in contact with,” said Rock, who led the festivities and presented the award to individuals who embody Brantley’s spirit.