NYC Gazette

The New York State Legislature has elected three new members and re-elected five members to the Board of Regents. The announcement was made by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley B. Mayer, Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto, Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Toby Ann Stavisky, and Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia Hyndman.

The Board of Regents consists of 17 members who are elected by the Legislature for five-year terms. Each member represents one of the state's 13 judicial districts, with four serving at-large.

Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins stated that "Education is the foundation of opportunity," emphasizing the board's role in shaping education in New York. She expressed her anticipation to work with both newly elected and returning members.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie congratulated the new regents Keith B. Wiley, Felicia M. Thomas-Williams, and Brian Krist along with returning regents Hasani Pratts, Dr. Roger P. Catania, Dr. Frances G. Wills, Roger Tilles, and Dr. Lester W. Young Jr., noting their capability to address diverse student needs across New York.

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer highlighted the importance of the Board of Regents in guiding education policy in New York: "I am confident that the regents elected and re-elected today will bring the expertise... required for their roles."

Assembly Education Committee Chair Michael Benedetto remarked on his firsthand experience as an educator regarding the board's influence on education systems: "I believe the members we are electing will use their experience to help create environments where students... can learn and grow."

Senator Toby Ann Stavisky noted that unlike most states, New York's Regents select the Commissioner of Education: "Each Regent has demonstrated leadership... needed to further New York’s commitment to providing a quality... education."

Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia Hyndman extended congratulations to all newly elected regents: "I know they will use... knowledge and leadership... to help guide our education system."

The newly elected Hasoni Pratts serves as senior advisor at the National Urban League; Dr. Roger P. Catania is an educational practitioner with extensive experience; Keith B. Wiley is a dedicated math educator; Felicia M. Thomas-Williams has decades-long educational experience; Brian Krist is a public member serving since 2016; Roger Tilles has been involved in various educational roles since 2005; Dr. Lester W. Young Jr., who has served since 2008 as chancellor since 2021.