Berkeley College President Recinos Recognized as a 50 Over 50 Age Disruptor

City & State New York has named Diane Recinos, EdD, president of Berkeley College, among its 2024 50 Over 50 Age Disruptors, featuring leaders who have reached the pinnacle of success in their profession.

“For many of us, passing the half-century mark coincides with a peak in our professional lives,” said City & State in an article announcing the list, which was presented in partnership with AARP New York. “Mastery within a field has been achieved, tangible achievements amassed, earnings maximized. More broadly, those over the age of 50 have learned valuable life lessons and attained wisdom that comes with decades of experience.”

Recinos is the only higher education leader to make the list. Other honorees include Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner, State Transportation Department; New York City Council Member Gale Brewer; and Cheryl Wills, anchor, NY1. Award recipients were recognized at a ceremony on Jan. 29 at Manhattan Penthouse in New York City.

Throughout her career, Recinos has been on the frontlines of serving students – and is their biggest advocate. Her priorities include ensuring that students have access to quality support services and career possibilities.

“Nothing motivates me more than seeing our students’ growth and accomplishments,” Recinos told City & State. “Their resilience and success drive the Berkeley College mission and remind me daily of the significant impact we have in guiding their paths forward.”

Recinos began her career at Berkeley in 1992 as director of financial aid and took on expanded roles in technology and analytics. As senior vice president, student success and senior vice president, enrollment management, her leadership has spanned campus operations, admissions, marketing, student development and campus life, disability services, career services, academic advisement, the Office of the Registrar, Institutional Effectiveness, and the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. She became Interim president in October 2021, and was named president by the Berkeley College Board of Trustees in March 2022.

Recinos volunteers her time as a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. She served as a board member for the American Conference on Diversity, the Woodbridge Economic Development Corporation and the Woodbridge Special Improvement District, and chairwoman of the board of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. She is a fellow of the Bryn Mawr HERS Women in Higher Education Institute and of Lead New Jersey. The New York City YWCA Academy of Women Leaders recognized Recinos for her leadership and achievements in 2011. In 2016, NJBIZ named Recinos one of the Best 50 Women in Business. She is also a recipient of the William E. Short Community Service Award and the Arthur L. Walton, Jr. Award for Executive Leadership from her alma mater, St. John Fisher College.

Recinos holds a Doctorate in Education from St. John Fisher College, a Master of Business Administration degree in Management from Wagner College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Davis and Elkins College.

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