Af-Am Point of View
By Willette H Yarbrough Johnson
Like it or not, it matters who we know as we are navigating through the complexities of life. Most of us have heard the expression: “It’s not what you know but who you know that counts.” I can attest to the authenticity of that statement. Sometimes it’s the individuals we know who can guide and direct us on our paths to growth and refinement, an added benefit to education and preparation.
I had an opportunity to meet one of the newest Who’s Who in the greater Springfield community. His name is Dr. Hubert Benitez, the current president at American International College. I was able to work with his administrative team to establish a one-on-one interview for POV. They were very accommodating and clear about a one-hour timeframe for the interview. To my surprise, I felt nervous as the appointment date got closer, knowing that I would be in the presence of a college president. Having some awareness of the preparation it must take for an individual to earn such a position, I wanted to make sure that throughout my interview I probed and sought information in a professional, respectful way.
Dr. Benitez, DDS, PhD, a native of Columbia, is the 12th President of AIC since its inception in 1885. This institution of higher education is situated in the Mason Square neighborhood of Springfield. The college currently boasts an enrollment of 2,876 students being educated through a combination of undergraduate and graduate programs. Dr. Benitez’s appointment began on April 11, 2022.
While preparing for my interview, I researched stories about Dr. Benitez that were already in print from various news mediums. I learned about the plans and strategic goals established by this new president, and I was able to ascertain the perceived future of this prestigious college from the perspective of its leader through the creation of a new document entitled AIC Reimagined—the College’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Dr. Benitez has been forthcoming about his desire to expand upon the work of his predecessors. He is quoted as having said, “We have challenges, but we will confront those challenges and turn them into opportunities. We are revitalizing what needs to be revitalized. Today is not about change, but about reimagining. We are dreaming big dreams with goals in mind.”
This president expressed his understanding of how vital earning a college degree is in increasing and achieving social mobility. His vision for AIC includes a continuance of striving to offer a high-quality education at an affordable cost, leading to a successful career path despite the dismal predicted future of students leaving high school and arriving at AIC with inherent obstacles. Realizing that students who attend higher education institutions come from very diverse backgrounds, Dr. Benitez is committed to serving underserved students from lower-economic families, doing his part to bridge the gap between the haves and the have nots.
Upon arriving at AIC, I found the campus quite serene. A few students were walking across the yard, but there was no evidence of hustling and bustling that is a familiar sight on larger campuses. (It reminded me of my amazing alma mater, Morgan State College–now a university–back in the 70’s when I attended.) I had already been instructed to park in the President’s parking lot by the Public Relations and Communications Manager, Denise Vozetta. I proceeded to Adams Hall, where I was warmly greeted by staff.
The moment I met Dr. Benitez, my nervousness subsided. His greeting included a handshake and a big smile. First impressions make an impact. Our opening conversations consisted of light banter. We engaged in introductions and pleasantries which set the stage for comfortable exchanges during the ensuing hour. Dr. Benitez told me he felt at home at AIC. He sees himself as one more servant called to serve. He is a person of faith, an optimistic person. One of his happiest moments was the day of his arrival to begin fulfilling his new role. He shared that his getting to AIC was a culmination of an academic journey. He expressed his awareness of this college having a special meaning to Springfield. The city feels pride in the college’s recognition by US News and World Reports Best Colleges ranking as a top performer for social mobility. He finds that people who work there, love it and are grateful for the opportunity. In his comments, Dr. Benitez mentioned the various jobs he has had throughout his career. He now believes he is exactly at the place where he was striving to be, possibly his last career stop.
I decided to center my interview questions around the essence of his five-year roadmap–a strategic plan that emphasizes six fundamental pillars which will ensure that AIC fulfills its mission of providing access to a holistic education. He and his team are committed to working towards an inclusive environment to drive the ultimate goal of personal growth and professional success through a solidified platform of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The following highlights the dialogue in which we engaged:
Pillar #1 Revitalize: Academics
Question: In thinking about what students graduating from high school need to know and be able to do, I believe academics has a strong place in that knowledge base. How important is the academic portfolio for students graduating from college, specifically AIC? What energies are being expended around character building, empathy for those of lesser statute, public service, democratic issues, and the basic premise of “to who much is given, much is required”?
Response: This is a driving force. To make sure people have and are able to fulfill aspirations. We provide a unique approach to leadership through shared ownership. This is our vision, our strategy. Every member of our community needs ownership. An academic portfolio is a fundamental core value. It reaffirms access, opportunity, and belonging. This pillar will influence changes in community one student/one family at a time. We currently enroll 23% Black students, 24% Hispanic students with 50% at Pell Grant level. AIC is serving the workforce. Our programs lead to professional outcomes. They clearly identify the potential of students, and we promote positive post graduate experiences.
Pillar #2 Empower: Student Life, Engagement, and Support
Question: A buzz word in the educational community today is “Empower” (to promote the self-actualization or influence of; to become active participants in the larger political world). You speak of creating robust student experiences and strong support systems. I sense that most kids who make it to a prestigious college are already self-actualized, confident, and believe that the world is waiting for them. How is what you speak of reimagining here at AIC going to enhance an already set-apart population?
Response: We are seeing a generation of students who do not have family support. AIC becomes “home” for many students. We are determined to create an environment conducive to learning. Students arrive here with the expression of “Now What?” They are not prepared for the realities of college life. Barriers, obstacles, and enormous walls, if faced, can seem insurmountable. We need to lower anxiety levels and reinforce in students our beliefs that they can make it. Empowering students to have a voice in their own futures is paramount.
Pillar #3 Flourish: Fiscal Growth
Question: I can’t even imagine the fiscal responsibilities of ensuring long-term growth for a college. Clearly AIC has flourished since its inception in 1885. You were quoted as having said, “We will confront challenges and turn them into opportunities.” How does ensuring fiscal sustainability coincide with a commitment to prepare and serve lower-income students? Doesn’t that mean less money being available to maintain a privileged status?
Response: Numbers below three thousand constitutes a small institution. Schools are tuition dependent, especially private schools. Every student counts fiscally. We have no huge endowments. We scholarship our own students. Knowing where to spend and how to invest are primary decisions. We also deal with declining populations in feeding institutions. Students have choices, several of which are right here in Springfield. AIC emphasizes a value proposition here. We promote a different methodology of learning, highlighting innovative thinking. After 137 years, we remain fiscally healthy. We honor our alumni and their contributions.
Pillar #4 Engage: Internal and External Community Engagement and Development
Question: I read about the collaborations being established with the Catholic University in El Salvador and St. Paul University in the Philippines. Realizing the significance of such relationships, how will you continue to engage local and regional community stakeholders with vigor and enthusiasm as both endeavors seemingly will take enormous efforts?
Response: I am a true believer in forging partnerships. We have joint articulation agreements with STCC and HCC and we all value, heavily, the result of these collaborations. AIC will serve their graduates by presenting a seamless plan for transitioning and ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree. We have confirmed agreements with Catholic University of El Salvador and St. Paul University in the Philippines. Futuristically, we are pursuing negotiations with Chile, Egypt, and Puerto Rico. The Articulation Agreements guarantee that everything is transferable. We are working simultaneously at the local level while paralleling international efforts. We seek out institutions with a diverse spectrum of students and shared values.
Pillar #5 Belong: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Question: What will look, feel, and be different at AIC once you have moved closer to the goal of attaining diversity, equity, and inclusion and fostered a sense of belonging for all?
Response: Diversity is here which includes gender, sexual orientation, faith (intrafaith campus space is being considered), geographic, race, ethnicity, educational, and social backgrounds. We are creating an infrastructure where everybody feels they belong and sees themselves in the foundational values. In the days ahead, I will be seeking to hire a Chief Inclusion Officer. Our programs advance through core teaching and the fundamental work of DEI and cultural sensitivity. Our efforts are and will remain intentional.
Pillar #6 Champion: Athletics
Question: Even as AIC is recognized as a top performer for social mobility by US News and World Report Best Colleges ranking, I never recall hearing how the college champions athletics. I love the phrase “promoting competitive excellence,” but how significant is it for a college whose athletic program is just okay?
Response: Education comes before athletics. Students who come to AIC specifically for athletics will realize a shift in priorities. We love our Division 2 sports programs, and we want to give our students all the support they need in academics and life’s challenges so they are better prepared to participate as scholar-athletes in their sports of choice. This may appear as a changed model for our students but we confirm our appreciation for our athletes by scholar shipping 90-95% of them.
As my interview time with this college president was drawing to an end, I presented one closing question:
What do you want the Point of View readers to know about YOU that hasn’t already been spoken or publicized that would encourage them to take a “second look” at the president who believes that “it’s hard work and passion that makes things possible?”
Response: I believe in the future of AIC. I have zero reservations about the capacity of people to live their lives with passion. I am satisfied with the work we’ve done and look forward to the work we will do. We want to maintain our position as an influencer in the city of Springfield and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and we want to remain a place in the community that people love. So much of what is good here has nothing to do with the president. It is about those who are dedicated to being a valuable resource to the community. We will continue to serve as an engine of workforce development.
As I was leaving, Dr. Hubert Benitez and his administrative staff reminded me of their open-door policy. They assured me that I could return at any time. I’m not certain about that prominent parking space being offered, but I will look forward to seeing and talking with the man of the hour, Dr. Hubert Benitez, again. His optimism is infectious. He plans to go global with the AIC story and continue to build upon its incredible legacy. What I know for sure is that I had the opportunity to converse with a genuine Who’s Who in the Greater Springfield Community! ■
By Jim Danko, Assistant Director of Communications, Springfield Technical Community College SPRINGFIELD, MA – For Damion Harper ‘05 and Cindy Gaynor-Harper ‘09, Springfield Technical Community College gave them the foundation […]
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Who’s Who in the Greater Springfield Community? – Afro American Point of View
