Spent last week at the @aamc.org 2026 Together We Lead Conference. One takeaway: the challenges students face are more connected than ever. Financial pressure, belonging, advising, AI. None stand alone. We have to lead in more connected ways too. #HigherEd #AAMC

Panthers—come home 🐾 Join me, Purchase College President Michael Steiper & the Alumni Board for #AlumniWeekend 2026 (May 1–3)! Reunions, performances, Culture Shock & more—don’t miss it. 👉 www.purchase.edu/alumni/alumn... #PurchaseCollege #PurchaseAlumni #ProofofPurchase

10 years ago, I met Nichelle Nichols. She didn’t rush—she took time. We spoke about NASA, expanding opportunity, and why representation matters. She even insisted we take a photo together. Her presence still shapes who believes they belong. 🖖🏾🌌 #NichelleNichols #StarTrek

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” — Jackie Robinson 42 is more than a number—it’s a call to lead, serve, and uplift. #JackieRobinsonDay #Jackie42

Honored to be featured in the President’s Bulletin at @SUNYDownstate. Grateful to Pres Riley & proud to lead an incredible #StudentAffairs team. Most of all, inspired every day by our students and their commitment to serve & lead in health care and beyond. www.downstate.edu/about/office...

This evening… 37 years from now… in 2063, a Vulcan ship will land in Bozeman, MT, making first contact. A reminder from Star Trek: leadership starts with curiosity, courage, and choosing connection over fear. Happy #FirstContactDay 🖖 #LLAP

Witnessing @nasaartemis.bsky.social II launch today is awe-inspiring. I’ve seen launches before (MAVEN on a NASA Social) but returning to the Moon, for the first time in my lifetime, is incredible. As Picard said, “Things are only impossible until they’re not.” 🚀🌕

Happy Passover to those, like me, who celebrate. חג פסח שמח A story of resilience and hope that feels especially meaningful this year. To all observing this season of renewal, wishing you peace, joy, and good health. May we carry that spirit forward together.

Happy 95th to @williamshatner.bsky.social. 3 meetings over the years, from TekWar to #StarTrek50 to the Enterprise bridge. As #StarTrek turns 60, your legacy of curiosity, courage, and leadership still inspires. “What you’ve given me is the most profound experience I can imagine.” #LLAP #StarTrek60

Congratulations to the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Class of 2026 on an extraordinary #MatchDay2026! 💙 187 students matched, with 76% staying in NY and over half in NYC. Proud of our #DownstateMade, #DownstateSTRONG future physicians! Watch: youtu.be/ROsk0Yl56lQ

Match Day 2026 is tomorrow! 🎉 We’re incredibly proud of our @SUNYDownstate students as they take this next step in their journeys to becoming physicians. 🩺 Join us live at 11:30 AM to celebrate with us: youtube.com/live/i9URwi6... #DownstateMatch #Match2026

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow…” On St. Patrick’s Day, a reminder that leadership is grounded in relationships, resilience, and care for others. Sláinte—to health, community, and friendships that endure. #StPatricksDay

Thirteen years ago today, I met the crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation in Orlando. Only later did I realize how much they shaped my thinking on leadership, curiosity, and perspective. Some lessons stay with you. #LetsSeeWhatsOutThere

Just returned from #NASPA26 energized! #StudentAffairs is at a defining moment—supporting students, mentoring future leaders, building community. Inspired by colleagues, ideas, & the profession we love. See you at @naspa2.bsky.social in DC this summer & #NASPA27! #StudentAffairs

After cancellations and delays, finally more than halfway to @lgaairport.bsky.social from @mspairport.bsky.social on Delta Air Lines - Almost home!!!!

Travel reality check from #NASPA26… ✈️ My flight from Kansas City back to NYC was cancelled tonight due to weather at LaGuardia. Conference travel keeps things interesting! Tomorrow we’ll try again. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard would say… make it so. 🖖 #StudentAffairs #HigherEd

On International Women’s Day, celebrating my friend Barbara Morgan—teacher, trailblazer, & NASA astronaut 🚀 From backup to Christa McAuliffe to flying aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-118, she proves educators help build the future. “Courage is contagious.” #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInSTEM

Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad—and a grandpa. Celebrating 86 years of my dad, Michael Putman, whose example of hard work, integrity, and love for family continues to guide me every day. Happy Birthday, Dad! 🎂

Calling all @teacherscollege.bsky.social alumni attending #NASPA26 in Kansas City! Join us for a TC Alumni Reception: 🗓 Mon, March 9 🕗 8–10pm CST Reconnect with fellow alumni & colleagues at the NASPA Annual Conference. RSVP: tc.edu/events #TeachersCollege

Today marks 11 years since we lost Leonard Nimoy (2/27/15). “Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.” — Spock A reminder that leadership starts with reason, but must be guided by service. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Live long and prosper. 🖖 #LLAP #StarTrek

Excited to present at the NASPA 2026 Conference in KC! Charting Your Course: Job Search Wisdom from Higher Ed Pros — practical insights from the hiring side to help grads & early-career professionals navigate searches with clarity & confidence. #NASPA26 #StudentAffairs

34 years ago today (2/26/92), I made my first donation with the NY Blood Center. Last month I completed my 76th (9½ gallons!) Grateful for every opportunity — from @sunyofficial.bsky.social campuses to a WPLJ drive with Mayor David Dinkins (“You are A+ with me.”). If you’re able, now’s the time. 🩸🖖

Last Monday our family experienced one of those moments that can stop time. What began at Urgicare became emergency surgery for my dad at NYP Westchester. He’s now home & recovering. Grateful for the care provided and for the many who have checked in on him & on us. Healthcare is deeply human work.

Wishing a very #HappyBirthday to @levarburton.bsky.social 🎉 From Kunta Kinte in Roots to Geordi on @startrek.bsky.social: TNG and the joy of Reading Rainbow, he’s inspired generations through story and literacy. Photo from the 2016 Star Trek 50th in NY with LeVar & Michael Dorn. 🚀📚

Reflecting at the statue of George Washington this #PresidentsDay 🇺🇸 #DYK he was inaugurated in New York City on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall? Leadership without precedent. Service over self. Stewardship over power. How are we honoring the roles we’ve been entrusted with? #Leadership

When a balloon casts a heart-shaped shadow across the red rocks, you pause. Love is just a word until someone comes along & gives it meaning. If you love someone, remind them of that meaning every day — not just today. ❤️ #HappyValentinesDay #Sedona #LoveEveryDay

Standing in LOVE Park, the word is bold. But love is just a word until someone gives it meaning. If you love someone, remind them every day — not just today. “If grass can grow through cement, love can find you every time.” — Cher #HappyValentinesDay

Now that that’s over… “Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world.” — Babe Ruth Welcome back, baseball ⚾️ @mlb.com @yankees.com #LetsGoYankees #RepBX

Region II — leadership moments like this matter. As Immediate Past Region II Director, I’m honored to host a conversation with Region II Director-Elect candidates Danielle Nesselbush and Timothy Gordon. Join us Feb 10 at 1 PM to hear their visions for our region. 👉 tinyurl.com/R2DElect

February 1, 2003. We remember the seven astronauts of Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) whose service and sacrifice remind us that leadership means responsibility, courage, and commitment to a mission larger than oneself. #Columbia #NASA #InMemoriam

40 years ago today, seven brave heroes were lost aboard Space Shuttle Challenger—73 seconds after liftoff. For many in my generation, it was the first moment we remember exactly where we were—because a teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was going to space, and so many of us were watching. #TeacherinSpace

Today I completed my 75th & 76th units with @newyorkbloodcenter.bsky.social — Double Red Cell to increase impact. @sunyofficial.bsky.social continues its commitment to service. "SUNY students, faculty, & staff are always ready to take action and help those in need.” - @sunychancellor.bsky.social

Born Jan. 24, 1984. Still changing how we work and create. Happy Belated Birthday to the Apple Macintosh—so intuitive even Scotty figured it out. “Hello, computer!” 🖥️🖱️🖖🍎 youtu.be/LkqiDu1BQXY?...

Captain Kirk said: “They used to say if man could fly, he’d have wings… Risk: Risk is our business.” On @NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we honor the Apollo 1, Challenger & Columbia crews and all who gave their lives exploring space. www.nasa.gov/DoR/ #NASARemembers

There’s a critical blood shortage. Donating truly saves lives! 🩸 My first @newyorkbloodcenter.bsky.social donation was in 1992 & I’ve donated 74 units (9+ gallons). Join me in giving if you can. ❤️ @sunyofficial.bsky.social is supporting blood drives statewide: www.suny.edu/suny-news/pr...

In Jan & March 2006, 30 #SUNYPurchase students and 3 staff served in #NewOrleans after Katrina. We learned what resilience, humility, and service-centered leadership looks like. #HigherEd changes lives on both sides of service. #ServiceLearning #CommunityEngagement #NewOrleans

Huge congrats to #SUNYDownstate Professor Dr. Riccardo Bianchi, chosen as one of 10,001 Torch Bearers for the #MilanoCortina2026 Winter #Olympics! 🕯️🇮🇹 He carried the flame through his hometown of La Spezia, embodying passion, excellence & community. 🙌 www.downstate.edu/about/office...

On #MLKDay, I return to Dr. King’s reminder that “the function of education is to teach one to think critically—intelligence plus character.” In higher education and #studentaffairs, that remains both our mission and our responsibility. #LeadershipMatters #RepresentationMatters

31 years ago today, @startrek.bsky.social: Voyager premiered. Stranded far from home, it reminded us that real leadership isn’t about easy answers—it’s about holding fast to your values and your humanity, even when it’s hard. As Janeway taught us: principles matter most when they’re tested. 🖖

Belated thanks for all the birthday wishes. I’ve read every one and felt the kindness behind them. As my friend Dr. Ruth said, life is a process of becoming. Grateful for this amazing crew. As Picard reminds us, the journey is the reward. 🖖

Nominations are OPEN for the 2026 #PurchaseCollege Alumni Awards! 🎓 Help recognize outstanding alumni & honorary alumni who embody #ProofofPurchase. 🗓️ Deadline: Feb. 13 🔗 www.purchase.edu/alumni/alumn... #PurchaseAlumniAssociation 💛💜

On #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay, grateful for our State University Police officers at SUNY Downstate, Purchase College & across @sunyofficial.bsky.social who work every day—& night—to keep our campuses safe. Proud of the strong partnership between UPD & #StudentAffairs. Thank you for all you do.💙👮‍♂️

NYC students: your future can start right here with @sunyofficial.bsky.social. As a proud #SUNYPurchase alum, I’ve seen how SUNY opens doors, builds community, and changes lives. Join me as a SUNY alum. #SUNY www.suny.edu/nycgo/

18,628 days around the sun! 🌎 Birthdays invite reflection on growth and purpose. Captain Picard reminds us: "The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation of self." In #HigherEd, that "donation" happens in the quiet moments of supporting others. (1/2)

33 years ago today, @StarTrek Deep Space Nine premiered (1/3/1993). I was honored to meet Terry Farrell, Michael Dorn, Cirroc Lofton & others at @StarTrekMissions. DS9 still teaches us to never give up on people & honor who we truly are. 🖖 #DeepSpaceNine #StarTrek #LeadershipLessons #SciFiWisdom

Halfway to PBI from @lgaairport.bsky.social on Delta

As one year ends and another begins, here’s to fresh possibilities in 2026. Wishing you health, connection, and purpose—especially in how we support and uplift one another. As Picard reminds us, “Things are only impossible until they’re not.” 🌅🗽 #HappyNewYear #Welcome2026 #NewBeginnings

#2025Reflections (2/3): Leadership shows itself when the stakes are high. At @SUNYDownstate and in @NASPAtweets @NASPA2 spaces, I was reminded that leadership is forged under pressure. As @AskDrRuth taught: be the turtle you can’t move forward without sticking your neck out. 🐢

One last swipe… For decades, the MetroCard carried New York—across boroughs, generations, late nights, and big moments. Farewell to a small piece of plastic that powered a big city. 🚇 #MetroCard #NewYorkCity

#2025Reflections (3/3) Some lessons deepen over time. This year, @teacherscollege.bsky.social & my work across higher ed reminded me that reflection is a discipline, titles matter less than trust, & student affairs work changes lives—often unseen. Looking to 2026 with hope and intention. 🖖