MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings!
As we conclude the first year of our five-year strategic plan, I’m proud to share the meaningful progress we’ve made together. From launching seven new academic programs and achieving our first-ever research designation from the Carnegie Foundation, to increasing student engagement and strengthening community ties, 2024-25 was a year of bold steps. We revitalized campus culture, supported staff and student leaders, and expanded our impact through partnerships, digital outreach and a vision for regional biotech leadership.
We concluded the year with big news. Our planned merger with Russell Sage College signals a strong future—one built on both institutions’ long-standing reputations and our rankings as top colleges for return on investment and social mobility.
I am honored to serve this institution as we create a prosperous future built on an impressive past. I look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.
Warm regards,
TOYIN TOFADE, MS, PHARMD, BCPS, CPCC, FFIP
President and Professor
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
ACPHS kicked off 2024-25 with the launch of new academic programs in Biology, Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Science and Health Sciences, and new online and hybrid pathways for three existing programs. These offerings brought in 66 new students and added social sciences and physical sciences to our fields of study. Two more programs— Nursing and Health Data Science— will be added in Fall 2025.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs continues to enhance ACPHS’ research capabilities and created two Blythe Endowed Research Chairs. Faculty and staff submitted more than 40 extramural funding requests, with $1.1 million in new awards. ACPHS has earned the “Research Colleges and Universities” Research Activity Designation from the Carnegie Foundation, and the College established a reciprocal core-facility access agreement with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
QUALITY STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Students were more engaged during the 2024-25 academic year than in recent memory. More than 300 students participated in the College’s involvement fair. Attendance at weekend activities and events increased by 20 percent, with some favorites being FrightFest, the Multicultural Club’s MCC Fest and a clothing swap. A new Mock Trial Team, an addition to the activities lineup that arrived with the Forensic Psychology program, competed in its first meet. Five new clubs were created, increasing total clubs and organizations to 54. Students donated more than $4,000 to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. And the Student Government Association recognized more than 20 students and organizations for their accomplishments at their leadership banquet.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
The focus of this pillar is a strong, inclusive, people-centered culture. Key accomplishments include reinstating the Staff Council to encourage active engagement, launching a leadership development program, and initiating a centralized policy document to ensure institutional guidelines are accessible, consistent and transparent.
Working with the Student Experience division, resources were enhanced to increase participation in student clubs and organizations. With Human Resources, team-building activities and social events fostered a sense of community across campus, employee recognition programs were launched, and a culture survey gathered meaningful feedback from the community. Ongoing crossfunctional collaborations reflect the institution’s growing culture of shared leadership, open communication and collective responsibility. These efforts are creating a stronger sense of connection, engagement and trust.
