On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Farmingdale State College (FSC) campus community gathered in the Campus Center Ballroom for a candid, high-level discussion featuring four distinguished university leaders from across Long Island:  

• FSC President Robert S. Prezant, PhD 
• Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, PhD 
• SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams, PhD 
• New York Institute of Technology President & CEO Jerry Balentine, FACEP, D.O. 

The session was part of President Prezant’s Inspiring Leadership lecture series, which focuses on open exchanges that share exclusive insights and inspiration with the FSC campus community. 

Moderated by Kara Cannon, executive director of the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, the  morning conversation offered valuable perspectives and covered a range of topics from each panelist’s unique educational journey, the evolving perception of the value of a college degree, “AI-proofing” students, rebuilding trust, and the importance of communication. 

“There is a general, negative perception [around higher education] that I don't think we've seen in a very long time,” said Cannon.  “We are here today to talk about the challenges facing higher education today and also all of the opportunities that exist because of this network of colleges and universities.” 

“A college degree is going to generate a million, a million and a half more in salary over a lifetime and a lot more opportunities,” said President Prezant. “As I talk to students, I tell them, ‘Follow your passion. If you love it, follow it.’ The return on investment is worth the work.”  

“It's a really fascinating time in high education,” said Balentine. “Because a challenging time is always a great time for change. And, if you have the right leaders, if you have the right set up, that change can be positive. Not just for our universities, but for higher education across the country.  

“My dad was from a small town in Alabama, and he couldn't go to [college],” Balentine added. “But look at me. I'm shocked what I’ve accomplished, and it’s because of my education. It's because of what a professor taught me. Higher education is an incredible value for each individual, and for us as a society as well. But we have to change the narrative” 

“My college experience…transformed my life,” said Sams, who shared his experience growing up in a low-income section of Syracuse, New York. “What it did for me--think about where I came from and think about where I am today. I'm very clear that a liberal arts education made that possible. I went from an environment where I was constantly told, ‘You cannot,’ to one where the expectation was, ‘You can do anything.’ That was transformational because I believed it, and it made a difference.” 

The panel also shared their thoughts regarding the critical thinking and civic discourse made possible with a college experience as well as navigating a changing technological landscape with artificial intelligence (AI). 

“We can't put the genie back in the bottle, AI is here to stay,” said Goldsmith, who shared her early career experience in Silicon Valley, California. “It's a transformative technology… but at the end of the day, no technology is a substitute for what makes us human, which is human engagement. We have to teach our students how to be adaptable, resilient, and robust and use their creativity, their way of thinking about the world, to make them AI-proof, technology-proof in their careers.” 

Looking ahead, the panelists highlighted how institutions can collaboratively maneuver challenges, continue to innovate with university-driven research, and effectively serve the broader community and their student body. 

“Communication is key, especially communication with our students,” said President Prezant. “Farmingdale State is a remarkable place and, I think my colleagues will agree, our students are hardworking, focused, smart, energetic, and goal-oriented and ready to meet the needs of the future.” 

Student Perspectives 

“It was eye opening to get an understanding and a perspective from the president’s point of view,” said Juliette Jordan, ’26, a science, technology, & society (STS) major. “Being approachable to speak about these different topics makes me feel a lot more confident in our future and the future of Farmingdale State. The great thing about this campus is it’s so diverse and these perspectives just make it a more well-rounded school. I’m really happy I chose Farmingdale.” 

Matthew Rubesh, ‘23, a returning FSC graduate who is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in STS degree, shared that he found it reassuring that “the leaders here today are very aware of the issues we face today in this newer climate,” he said. “I think it is very nice of FSC to offer these types of opportunities [to students]. All students are welcome, to come listen. It makes us feel important and overall, I think Farmingdale has done a great job of actually hearing our voices on a lot of things.”  

For Natasha Jones, '26, a business analytics major and cybersecurity minor, the value of her college experience has expanded to include her growth across campus as president of the TRIO Leadership Council and vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). “Even beyond the classroom, you learn so much in the extra curriculars,” she said. “I wouldn’t know half the people I know now if I didn’t come to Farmingdale State College.”  

“Something that really connected with me was definitely all their experiences, how they came about their career,” said Ashley Michelle Menendez, ’26, a business analytics major. “A lot of them spoke about how they are first-generation, and I am also first-generation, so I understood and that was personal to me.  

“I’ve grown in many different aspects, just being here at Farmingdale,” Menendez added of the value of her college experience. “I feel like there is real community here and it makes you feel more involved with your campus.”  

For more information please visit the Inspiring Leadership: President's Lecture Series webpage.

To view more photos from the Inspiring Leadership: President's Lecture Series session, please view our Flickr Gallery.

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