St. Francis Brooklyn Eliminates Athletics Program

[Sfvalleypolo]

Wow -- terrible to see one less program. Wish nothing but the best for their student-athletes and coaches.

https://sfcathletics.com/news/2023/3/20 ... ident.aspx

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Since the launch of SFC Forward: Strategic Vision for 2023 & Beyond, the St. Francis College Board of Trustees and Leadership have taken steps to position the College for success, development, and growth.

These steps include:

● Investment in new academic programs and revision of curriculum and pedagogy

● The expansion of the population whom the College serves, both locally and internationally

● The relocation of the College's primary campus to a modern, state-of-the-art, custom-built facility at 179 Livingston Street

There are challenges facing higher education institutions, particularly smaller liberal arts colleges in the Northeast, from which SFC is not immune. Among these challenges are increased operating expenses, flattening revenue streams, and plateauing enrollment due in part to a shrinking pool of high school graduates in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Elimination of Athletics

The St. Francis College Board of Trustees and Leadership are responding to these challenges by acting decisively with plans in place to benefit the College and the students we serve.

Accordingly, the Board of Trustees recently approved a strategic realignment plan which includes the elimination of the College's NCAA Division I athletics program, effective at the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester.

We want to acknowledge that SFC has a rich legacy in competitive athletics, and are proud of our Terriers today and in all years past. This difficult decision was guided by a commitment to preserving the College's 164-year Franciscan mission to provide a high quality and affordable education to working-class and first-generation students.

To ensure that student-athletes can continue their studies at SFC uninterrupted, the College will honor all current academic and athletic scholarships, even though students will no longer be participating in athletics.

Employment for athletics staff and coaches will end at the conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester. The College will provide information, recommendations, and next-step guidance to help ease this transition.

We thank everyone involved in our athletics program for their spirit, dedication, professionalism and commitment to the College.

Appointment of Acting President

On March 19, 2023, the Board of Trustees granted Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz his request for a personal leave. The Board has appointed Tim Cecere as Acting President, effective March 20, 2023.

Prior to assuming his current position of Chief Operating Officer in August 2022, Tim was a member of the Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Tim recognized the College's needs and stepped up to offer his expertise at the perfect time.

Tim brings decades of experience in business operations, strategic positioning, human relations, and talent development, from his work with WPP, the world's largest advertising, media and public relations company. He earned degrees in psychology and business from St. John's University and a master's degree in organizational psychology from Columbia University. Throughout his career Tim has built strong relationships between the corporate world and academia, serving as a guest lecturer, trainer, and curriculum designer at many institutions of higher education in our region including Syracuse University, Hofstra University, and The City College of New York to name a few.

Born in Brooklyn, Tim is among the first in his family to attend college, and truly committed to the role this institution can play in the city where he was raised. Tim is also the proud parent of a St. Francis College graduate.

The Board knows that Tim understands our history, our Franciscan legacy, and our commitment to enhancing our academic programs for today's competitive careers as we build towards the future.

Our strategy for the future of St. Francis College is solid and unchanged, steadfast in our commitment to providing a first rate, flexible, affordable education for the next generation; firm in our Franciscan values of community, collaboration and connection.

The Board of Trustees remains dedicated to upholding the unique educational experience for which St. Francis College is widely known and we are thankful to all members of the College community for all you do in service to our students, this institution, and our community.

Sincerely,

Denis J. Salamone, '75

Chair of the St. Francis College Board of Trustees

[Justafan22]

Wow, that's crazy. All athletics in one swoop!!!!

[Rbpolo0414]

This is a tough one for collegiate water polo. Unfortunately I think this won’t be the last as lower tier colleges have financial pressures.

[sbdad]

Not one American on their mens roster!

[Cal Polo Enthusiast]

How did they afford a full roster of overseas players? Presumably not the very best of overseas talent but still hard to attract so many players unless scholarship $ are involved.

[Rational]

My understanding of SFC was their niche was first generation immigrants - like the whole (or vast majority) of the school was immigrants - so the "too many foreigners" argument doesn't really apply as the team's composition matches the school's makeup.

Sad to see but understandable, athletics require lots of real estate and they just don't have it, especially if they just moved their campus.

[wpolo93]

It is a loss for US water polo. Yes, they have always had a roster dominated by imports but last time I checked I did not see a big line of OC, Bay Area or Greenwich kids trying to get into St. Francis Brooklyn.

[Trevor]

My understanding of SFC was their niche was first generation immigrants - like the whole (or vast majority) of the school was immigrants - so the "too many foreigners" argument doesn't really apply as the team's composition matches the school's makeup.

Sad to see but understandable, athletics require lots of real estate and they just don't have it, especially if they just moved their campus.

That is correct in regards to the school’s niche. This one hurts. St. Francis fielded great teams for decades. You wonder if the alums will even get a chance to pass the hat and see if they can raise the funds to save the program.

[ephpolo]

Really too bad. St. Francis was a good eastern program. Back when I was coaching their players used to referee some of the games my teams played in northern NJ or NYC, and they were always excellent role models for the players.

Sadly, a lot of small private colleges are facing these kinds of decisions. One of my friends is an alum of a Vermont college that has closed completely, and was teaching writing at a Maine college that closed their campus and transitioned to an online-only model.