Agreement designed to create a seamless pathway for students transitioning between the two institutions.

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 2, 2024) – Guttman Community College and Baruch College, both part of The City University of New York (CUNY), celebrated the launch of the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy on Tuesday, November 26 on Guttman’s campus.
Guttman President Larry Johnson and Baruch President S. David Wu announced the initiative and co-signed the agreement, which will streamline the process for students to obtain their associate and bachelor’s degrees in business and position them for successful careers in the competitive industry.
“Guttman is elated to launch the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy in collaboration with our colleagues at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business. This collaboration continues Guttman’s commitment to access and social mobility for our students. The seamless transfer to Baruch allows Guttman students to complete their degree in finance and enter a highly competitive field with the skills and knowledge to be an asset to the industry,” said Dr. Johnson.
“The Business Academy isn’t just about education—it’s about transformation. We’re cultivating a diverse talent pool that will enrich workplaces and redefine industries. With college costs rising, partnerships like this prove that an affordable, world-class education isn’t just a dream—it’s a promise we’re delivering,” said Dr. Wu.
The event welcomed New York City community partners, CUNY administrators, members of the Stella and Charles Guttman Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and faculty and staff from both colleges.
Describing herself as a cheerleader for CUNY, Manhattan Deputy Borough President Sutton-James emphasized the boon the Academy provides for students of color, creating possibilities for those who have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
CUNY Vice Chancellor for Academic & Faculty Affairs Alicia M. Alvero as well as leadership from Guttman and Baruch gave remarks, highlighting the program’s ability to foster equity and access for diverse students interested in business and speaking the various support services offered through the program, such as peer and alumni mentoring, that help ensure students’ success.
“The Guttman-Baruch Business Academy is more than an articulation agreement of classes and a guarantee of transfer. The partnership provides clear, consistent and meaningful opportunities for students at Guttman to engage with peers, services and activities at Baruch’s campus. This array of supports for students will engender simultaneous belonging on our campus and their chosen transfer destination through mentoring, advising and co-curricular endeavors. The Academy leverages CUNY’s network of colleges and showcases how the University helps students achieve their educational dreams throughout the city,” said Guttman Provost Paul Reifenheiser.
“We’re excited to welcome Guttman Community College into the Baruch Business Academy and this deep partnership with the Zicklin School,” said Zicklin’s Willem Kooyker dean, Bruce W. Weber. “Expanding the Business Academy to include CUNY’s newest community college broadens access to our highly ranked, fully accredited business degree programs. The Zicklin School has launched successful management careers for more New Yorkers than any other business school. This new connection with Guttman enhances our reputation as an engine of social mobility, and most importantly, equips the workforce of tomorrow with the skills to succeed.”
Academy students in the Business Administration program at Guttman who meet the criteria outlined in the agreement will be guaranteed admission to Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business. Throughout their time in the program, students will gain access to comprehensive services and resources at both colleges to support their academic and professional goals.
Guttman’s Business Administration program provides students a strong foundation in accounting, economics, business law, and ethical business practices, and they graduate prepared to transfer to a senior college or enter the workforce with marketable job skills. Dr. Marcia Edwards, Guttman’s business department chair, along with Professors Naveen Seth and Sebastien Buttet as well as Director of Curriculum and First-Year Experience Allyson Bregman, were instrumental in the development of the Guttman-Baruch Business Academy.