Back to school 2026: CCPA celebrates 20 years

This back-to-school season marks the 20th anniversary of the College of Community and Public Affairs. As new and returning students arrive at University Downtown Center and Academic B, they join a legacy of academic excellence, innovative research, strong community engagement, and aspiring leaders committed to making a difference locally and globally.

Dean Laura Bronstein describes the past two decades at the college as a period of adaptation, growth, and responsiveness to student needs. Key initiatives include accelerated and 4+1 programs, enhanced teaching methods, and expanded online access to professional master’s degrees.

Bronstein notes that the nature of programs at CCPA—human-centered, community-engaged, globally-focused—attracts a well-rounded student cohort. For example, the interdisciplinary doctoral program in Community Research and Action draws both local Binghamton University staff and a broad international student body.

“We have always valued diversity,” said Bronstein, “it’s continued to be a focus for us."

Meeting students where they are

At Binghamton, CCPA has been at the forefront in developing in-house online programs. Five of the seven CCPA departments offer at least one primarily or exclusively online option, and this year, two new online programs were introduced: the Master of Public Policy and the Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Each of these innovative programs is designed to address an evolving world and job market, and the needs of all students, including accelerated options for working professionals.

To ensure that the online programs are serving students, CCPA has hired two new technical staff members to support its largest online program: social work. Administrator of Online Education Jill Nobles and Administrator of Online Learning and Instructional Design Conner Pierce will help improve the online experience for faculty and students.

Growth in online programming is driving an uptick in CCPA enrollment year over year, leading to increased needs for faculty and staff. While several departments remain in the University Downtown Center, the Department of Human Development will move to Academic B this year, joining Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) and Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) to address office space needs. Expanding CCPA’s presence on the main campus will also improve student accessibility.

Fall 2026 enrollment reached nearly 1,400 students, representing a 15% increase over 2025. Exclusively online graduate programs saw the largest growth, rising 24% from last year.

“Our enrollment numbers have exploded,” Bronstein explained. “At this point, we have as big a presence on the main campus as we do in the Downtown Center.”

Welcoming new faculty

CCPA will also be welcoming nine new faculty and postdoctoral associates in the Departments of Social Work and Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership this academic year to meet the growing demand in those programs.

Social Work

Vincent Fusaro, assistant professor; Kenyette Garrett, postdoctoral associate; Elizabeth Jelsma, assistant professor; Braden Linn, assistant professor; Lauren Manley, assistant professor; Amanda McRell, assistant professor; Rebecca Rouland, assistant professor.

Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership

Jessica Fundalinski, postdoctoral associate; Yiqing Watkins-Xu, assistant professor.

“The University is in a great place in the higher education landscape,” Bronstein said. “We offer exceptional quality at a low cost, and our faculty and postdoctoral applicant pools are outstanding. For many positions, we had multiple highly qualified candidates who we would have loved to have joined us.”

CCPA marks its 20th year

CCPA will celebrate 20 years as one of six Binghamton University schools and colleges. It was established through the reorganization of the School of Education and Human Development, creating a college to house human development, public administration, and social work, with an initial enrollment of just over 500 students. In 2014, Bronstein was named CCPA’s second dean after serving in an interim role. In 2017, the Graduate School of Education joined CCPA as the Department of Teaching, Learning and Education, and in 2022, CCPA launched its first exclusively online program in Literacy.  

“We’ve seen a lot of positive growth in 20 years,” Bronstein said.

Events throughout the year will highlight CCPA’s 20th anniversary, starting with the annual Homecoming kickoff. On Friday, Oct. 2, alumni and friends of CCPA are invited to a cocktail party at The Rooftop by Chef Jay Pisculli, 20 Hawley St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy music, food, and raffles. Alumni can register online.

CCPA’s annual Gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 9. Now in its seventh year, this event welcomes community members and partner organizations and serves as a principal fundraiser for the college. This year’s Gala is especially significant as it honors CCPA’s 20 years of community-engaged service and collaboration.

“What I love about this event is that it draws so many community members who want to support CCPA,” said Debra Collett-O’Brien, director of administration and executive assistant to the dean and a member of the gala committee. “It’s a community-supported event with a dedicated group of committee members. This year, we are excited to have President D'Alleva co-host, which will be a great opportunity for the community to meet her.”

Other featured events this year include a dedication of the Couper-Owens Center for Community Schools to celebrate the generosity of Rev. Janet Watrous and Dr. Robert Kochersberger and their support of the Center’s work. The invitation-only dedication will take place at 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 18, in the University Downtown Center atrium, with a reception to follow.

Standing the test of time

Bronstein affirms that CCPA’s mission remains relevant, emphasizing that the college’s core principles of equity, social justice, and community-engaged learning are more important than ever.

“I am thankful for our dedicated staff and faculty,” she said. “And I am incredibly proud of our students. CCPA students want to contribute to communities where children, families, older adults and organizations thrive, and they are coming here for the education to do just that.”

For incoming and prospective students, Bronstein is clear that CCPA is committed to supporting the development of the whole student.

“Our goal is to provide an excellent educational experience,” she said. “But it isn’t just about academics. We want our students to succeed and pursue the careers they desire. I want them to know we are here to support them; their success is our success, and my door is always open.”