Alumnus credits history professors with teaching beyond the course

SUNY New Paltz education goes well beyond the classroom for alumnus Brent Cutler ’79 (History).

“I learned a lot more than the subject at the College,” said Cutler. “I was taught a way to live life, and my professors inspired me more than I can say. I owe a great deal to them.”

Cutler credits a number of history professors with teaching him memorable coursework, but also the values of social responsibility that he has carried with him since graduation. With their guidance, he began 25-year career in the New York City school district and later went on to create several educational initiatives, including the “Freshman Center,” aimed at providing transferrable college credits to students. The program’s goal is to see more high school students obtain a college degree.

His confidence in the power of higher education directly impacted his career path, and sparked his service on the SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board.

“I think the Foundation Board is key to meeting the needs of SUNY New Paltz and the current students,” said Cutler. “I owe a lot of my professional success to the College and the community that supports it.”

Cutler received his Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1983, and his Master of Science in Education with Distinction from Pace University in 1986. After retiring from the New York City Public School District, he developed the paralegal program at Touro College in 2011, where he now serves as director.