Dr. Patricia Ramsey
Dr. Patricia Ramsey is the sixth president of Medgar Evers College, a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY), located in Brooklyn. Appointed in March 2021 and officially assumed office on May 1, 2021, she made history as the first woman and the first scientist to lead the institution. As a distinguished biologist and academic leader, Dr. Ramsey brings over three decades of experience in higher education to her role, including leadership positions at several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her academic credentials include a B.S. in Biology Education from Norfolk State University, an M.S. in Botany from Howard University, an M.A. in Biology from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University.
Since taking the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Ramsey has prioritized student success, community engagement, and institutional resilience. Within her first six weeks, she secured a $20 million grant – the largest in the college’s history – to fund initiatives like Cultivating Holistic Academic Mindsets to Promote Student Success (CHAMPSS) and the Brooklyn Recovery Corps, which offer scholarships and paid internships to students. Under her leadership, Medgar Evers College has also partnered with other CUNY institutions to establish a healthcare hub in Central and South Brooklyn aimed at addressing health disparities and workforce development.
Dr. Ramsey’s tenure reflects a deep commitment to equity, academic excellence, and the empowerment of underserved communities. In 2023, she was recognized among the “Top 10 Most Influential Women Leaders Transforming Education.” Her mission towards academic excellence will continue to thrive as she centers her focus on attaining success and impossibilities.
