MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Shanice Burns, a nursing student who resides in Newburgh, has been elected to serve as the Student Trustee to the Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) Board of Trustees for the 2022-23 academic year.

Burns was administered her oath of office Wednesday evening (Sept. 21) during the Board’s initial meeting of the year. She will represent the College’s nearly 4,000 students at Board meetings and other College events.

A native of Jamaica who emigrated to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse, Burns is a member of the student Nursing Club, serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions and is a peer orientation leader. She was named to the SUNY Orange Dean’s List in Fall 2021. Prior to arriving at SUNY Orange, Burns attended Texas Southern University, where she was named to the academic honor roll. She is also a member of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Sorority.

“Being the student trustee allows me to be the voice of the students, advocating for students’ concerns that will better our college life experiences, and I will work tirelessly for students to be heard,” Burns said. “To many, our campuses are each a home away from home, and students deserve to prosper in a place where they know they will be safe, being heard, and can thrive. I am passionate about advocating for students and hope to continue doing so as the College’s next student trustee.”

Her term will conclude at the Board’s June 2023 meeting.