ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Thomas Brian Lee, M.S.Ed. ’18
Educator | Adjunct Professor | MCNY Alumnus
Teaching With Purpose. Giving Back With Intention.
Thomas Brian Lee is an educator and adjunct professor whose professional journey reflects Metropolitan College of New York’s commitment to Purpose-Centered Education, service, and impact within communities.
A proud MCNY alumnus, Thomas earned his Master of Science in Education from the College and credits his experience at MCNY with helping shape both his philosophy as an educator and his evolution as a leader.
Thomas shared his story in a video distributed nationally in 2022 as part of The Power of Purpose book, which highlighted the stories of alumni and students who were making an impact across sectors of business, education, public affairs, human services, emergency management, and healthcare.
Purpose in Action
Today, Thomas serves at P.S. 78X, The Anne Hutchinson School in the Bronx, where his work extends well beyond the classroom. He has helped develop programs and systems designed to strengthen student achievement, engagement, school culture, and organizational identity.
His work includes family and community engagement, managing the school’s digital presence, coordinating major schoolwide initiatives and events, supporting student leadership, and creating opportunities to strengthen mathematics engagement.
Thomas has also continued his own education through advanced study in school building leadership, building on the foundation he developed at MCNY.
From MCNY to a Life of Impact
Thomas’s connection to MCNY has come full circle. Today, he also serves as an adjunct professor at the College, bringing his professional experience back into the classroom and helping prepare future educators.
For Thomas, this is where Purpose-Centered Education continues to have meaning. The lessons he learned at MCNY were connected to the work he was doing in schools, and today he has the opportunity to make that same connection for the students he teaches and mentors.
Giving back is an important part of that journey. Thomas believes in the value of a visible and engaged alumni community, one where graduates remain connected to the College and find meaningful ways to support the students coming behind them.
And there is another side to Thomas.
An experienced DJ, he has brought music to school and church functions over the years, creating another way to connect people and build community. Most recently, he brought his talents back to MCNY, performing at the College’s Purpose Powers New York kickoff at Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn.
In His Own Words
“MCNY has given me the opportunity to be what I am called to be.”
His Story. Our Purpose.
Thomas Brian Lee’s relationship with MCNY did not end when he earned his degree. It continues in the classrooms where he teaches, the students and future educators he mentors, the school community he serves, and the College he continues to call home.
His story is also a reminder of what giving back can look like. Sometimes it means returning to the classroom as a professor. Sometimes it means mentoring the next generation. And sometimes, it means getting behind the DJ booth and bringing the MCNY community together through music.
For Thomas, Purpose-Centered Education became something he could carry with him, put into practice, and bring back to others.
REAL EDUCATION. LASTING IMPACT.
