When it comes time to apply for colleges, many students choose a handful of schools close to home, out of state and one or two so-called “safety schools.” But aside from dream schools or who gives the most in scholarship funds, students should truly consider their future career path and the variety of opportunities at each university as they will spend the next four years of their life figuring out how to make their mark on the world.
Randy Burd is the senior vice president of Academic Affairs for Long Island University (LIU Post) across all campuses. Coming from the University of Arizona where he led said university’s global research initiative, at LIU, Burd is responsible for ensuring academic excellence and positive student outcomes while continuing to elevate LIU as a nationally recognized teaching and research university. He spoke of the many exciting initiatives taking place on campus this year.
“LIU Post is a national leader in student-powered entrepreneurship and engaged learning opportunities. We have eight student-run businesses, including our Browse store, which sells Apple-licensed products and our globally engaged student consulting firm, LIU-iQ, which works with universities and corporations around the world,” said Burd of the ventures that are part of the university’s commitment to empowering students through real-world experience. “Another exciting initiative this year is an emphasis on undergraduate research as it is critically important to provide students an opportunity to experience research on an undergraduate level, ultimately transitioning to a career.”
Burd noted that the Global Institute at LIU, led by former Congressman Steve Israel, brings world leaders and thinkers to campus and through the institute, LIU has hosted President Bill Clinton on campus. The university will welcome President George W. Bush to the Tilles Center next month as well and that is just one of the many reasons to consider LIU Post.
I understand LIU Post was recently rated by The Princeton Review as a Top Northeastern University, which is an important milestone on the continued upward trajectory of the university. What other accolades and honors has LIU Post garnered?
LIU Post’s distinguished faculty offers a world-class education with a focus on experiential learning that prepares students for success. The College of Management is rated as a “best business school” by The Princeton Review and is one of the elite five percent of M.B.A. programs accredited by the AACSB. The Nursing Program has been recognized by Colleges of Distinction and we offer top training environments through our Interprofessional Simulation Center which prepares our graduates to take calculated action, even in high-pressure situations. Also, the prestigious Palmer School of Library and Information Sciences is the only school in the region to belong to the elite community of iSchools, an international consortium of prominent information schools with robust research traditions and well-established PhD programs.
LIU just received a $12M grant from Governor Cuomo for the New York Metropolitan area’s first Veterinary College. Tell me about that.
We are extremely grateful to Governor Cuomo for his strong support for the College of Veterinary Medicine, which will expand and connect the academic landscape, while generating new opportunities for biomedical research and jobs creation.
There are currently only 30 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States, and only three in the northeast —none in the New York metropolitan area. Despite this, New York has the highest concentration of working veterinarians.
The College of Veterinary Medicine will be a major community asset and advance animal health. We are very excited about some of our strong partnerships with leaders including the North Shore Animal League and Bronx Zoo.
LIU’s motto is Urbi et Orbi—“To the City and to the World.” What does that mean to the staff and students in terms of opportunities at LIU?
It means that an LIU education offers endless opportunities. LIU was founded as a university that was committed to opening the doors of education and opportunity to all, and that commitment continues. That is why we offer more than $100 million in annual scholarships.
We are a student-centric university that offers world-class teaching in the classroom, as well as experiential learning opportunities that provide students with internships with top companies so they have the skills and connections to get a great job.
As a university, we understand that our role is to educate and graduate engaged citizens who give back to the communities in which they live. I am proud that through our LIU Cares initiative, our students donated more than 150,000 hours to serve their communities. Last year’s Heart Walk at Jones Beach saw the largest team comprised of 200 LIU Post students, many of them there to support their classmates. Those lifelong bonds of support and community last a lifetime.
Why should someone start their education at LIU?
One of the advantages of attending a university like LIU Post is that students get the best of both worlds. On one hand, you have a 322-acre campus which offers a quintessential collegiate experience. On the other, you have access to our strong internship programs which utilizes our connection to our network of 200,000 alumni around the world and industry leaders just a train ride away in New York City.
With world-class faculty, nationally ranked programs, and more than $100 million in scholarships available, I invite students to come to campus and see why becoming part of the LIU family opens the door to a lifetime of opportunities.
LIU Post is located at 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, NY. For more information, call 516-299-2900 or visit www.liu.edu.