FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metropolitan College of New York Names Dr. Brian Blough, MSED ’12
Associate Dean of Education for the Audrey Cohen School of Human Services and Education

Longtime faculty member and MCNY alumnus assumes leadership of the college’s graduate education programs

BRONX, N.Y. – Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) has announced the appointment of Dr. Brian Blough, MSEd ’12 as Associate Dean of Education in the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education. A proud MCNY alumnus and accomplished educator and school leader, Dr. Blough brings a distinguished record in Grades K-12 and higher education to his new role.

Appointed by Dr. Emily A. Williams, Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Blough will work alongside Dr. Williams, faculty, and academic leadership to oversee the College’s graduate education programs: Master of Science in Education in Dual Childhood Education Grades 1–6/Students with Disabilities Grades 1–6 and Mathematics Education Grades 7–12.

“The education programs within the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education have a long tradition of preparing exceptional educators, and we are committed to building on that foundation,” said Dr. Emily A. Williams, Executive Vice President and Provost. “Dr. Brian Blough understands this institution from multiple perspectives. His distinguished record in schools and higher education will strengthen our academic programs and build on the excellence that has defined teacher preparation at MCNY.”
“I am honored to serve as Associate Dean of Education at Metropolitan College of New York,” said Dr. Brian Blough. “I have been shaped by this institution throughout my career. I am grateful for the mentors who guided my journey. I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty to prepare educators who will make a lasting difference in schools and communities.”

The appointment also carries personal significance. Dr. Blough was mentored by Dr. Patrick Ianniello, the founding dean of MCNY’s M.S.Ed. program, whose leadership shaped the program for more than 20 years. Following Dr. Ianniello’s passing in 2025, Dr. Blough considers it an honor to continue the work his mentor began.

Designed to empower working professionals, MCNY’s hybrid graduate education programs combine the flexibility of online coursework with in-person learning led by experienced educators and school leaders.

“Our M.S.Ed. programs prepare the next generation of teachers to walk into classrooms ready to lead, not just to instruct,” said Dr. Blough. “Through MCNY’s Purpose-Centered Education model, students immediately apply what they learn in the schools and communities they serve. That connection between theory and practice is what distinguishes an MCNY education and prepares graduates to make a lasting difference for students and families.”

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About Dr. Brian Blough, MSED ’12
Dr. Blough has served as an adjunct professor at MCNY since 2018, teaching graduate courses in literacy, classroom management, special education, and inclusive education. His professional career includes serving as Founding Principal of Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter High School, Principal of P.S. 161 in the Bronx, school turnaround leader at South Bronx Early College Academy, Director of Teaching and Learning at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Charter School, and Special Education Coordinator at Bronx Lighthouse Academy.

Dr. Blough helped launch one of New York City’s first public pilot programs for students with dyslexia and language-based learning disabilities in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office and the New York City Department of Education. As an educational consultant, he has also advised schools on leadership development, AI integration, Response to Intervention systems, and instructional improvement. Throughout his career, he has led instructional innovation, expanded student support systems, developed early college pathways, strengthened special education services, and coached teachers and school leaders across New York City.

Dr. Blough earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Fordham University, where his research examined the integration of artificial intelligence in public schools and its effects on cognitive development. He also earned master’s degrees in School Building and District Leadership and Special Education from Touro College, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Metropolitan College of New York, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Art Education from Bowling Green State University.

About Metropolitan College of New York
Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) provides Purpose-Centered Education, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. Founded by Audrey Cohen in 1964, MCNY has prepared adult learners for careers, leadership, and community impact for more than 60 years. The College offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and workforce development programs, including bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in under three years and one-year graduate programs.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, MCNY is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI). The College’s three schools include the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education, the School for Business, and the School for Public Affairs and Administration.

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Metropolitan College of New York
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