Talking About Sharks and Seawolves, College Pathways on WLIW

From left: WLIW host Gianna Volpe; Lars Clemmensen, Hampton Bays Superintendent of Schools; Wendy Pearson, Stony Brook University Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Director of Stony Brook Southampton; and Mary Reese, Executive Dean and Chief Operating Officer, Suffolk County Community College's Eastern Campus.

A new partnership between Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College aims to change what college access looks like for students and residents on the East End of Long Island.

During a January 15 interview on WLIW 88.3 FM's "Heart of the East End," education leaders outlined how the initiative, known as Sharks and Seawolves at Stony Brook Southampton, will bring transferable and accredited college courses to the Southampton campus beginning Jan. 26, 2026.

"This is one example of how strong partnerships can really meet the needs of the East End," said Wendy Pearson, Stony Brook University vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton. "Imagine if we built this out in a way where students could actually start and end their bachelor's degree in Southampton. I am very excited about that."

Pearson emphasized that the initiative is designed to remove barriers that often prevent East End students from seeing college as a realistic option close to home.

The program is a collaboration among Stony Brook Southampton, Suffolk County Community College's Eastern Campus in Riverhead and the Hampton Bays Union Free School District. It is designed for high school students, current college students and adult learners who may face geographic, financial or life barriers to higher education. Courses are offered on the Stony Brook Southampton campus and are taught by both Suffolk and Stony Brook faculty. The credits are fully transferable within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

"We want students to see a clear, supported pathway forward," Pearson said. "This is about building confidence and momentum early, while keeping students connected to their community."

Mary Reese, executive dean and chief operating officer of Suffolk County Community College's Eastern Campus, said the idea grew out of listening closely to the realities East End students face.

"We recognize as a commuter campus, it's difficult for students to get to us because they're balancing their lives and their family needs," Reese said. "To be 25 miles east of our Riverhead campus, this may be of advantage to our East End students. This brings first- and second-year studies closer to their homes so they can manage their lives better."

The pilot launches with three courses this spring. Suffolk will offer PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology and an introduction to healthcare and health professions, while Stony Brook Southampton will offer a one-credit course in marine biology of Eastern Long Island, held at the Marine Sciences Research Center.

"It was important for us to lean into our strengths," Pearson said. "Focusing on marine biology of this region and offering that as a freshman seminar is a great way to prepare students for college while showcasing what we do best on this campus." She added that early exposure to Stony Brook's research environment can help spark long-term academic and career interests.

Lars Clemensen, superintendent for schools for the Hampton Bays Union Free School District, said that the initiative fills a critical gap between high school and college.

"The most important thing we do in K-12 is figure out what the day after graduation looks like for kids," Clemensen said. "If the day after graduation is falling off a cliff, then we haven't done our job."

Clemensen noted that while dual enrollment programs that enable students to earn college credit for courses taught by high school teachers already exist in many East End schools, Sharks and Seawolves adds an essential piece.

"What's missing from that experience is the soft skills," he said. "These kids will not be in the high school. They'll be on a college campus with college kids, learning self-advocacy, navigating office hours and interacting with college faculty. Those are priceless skills."

Reese explained that credits earned through the program, as with all credits earned through Suffolk Community College and Stony Brook University, belong to the student and never expire. "They're part of your official academic record," she said. "You take them with you wherever you go." High school students can enroll at about one-third of the standard credit cost, reducing financial pressure on families.

The initiative also serves first-generation and adult learners. "This partnership invites families to come forward and ask questions," Reese said. "First generation means something. Families need help understanding what this opportunity means for their students and their family system." Pearson echoed that sentiment, noting that early college access can help families envision new possibilities.

"College is for everybody," Clemensen added. "And giving students these options locally gives them the safety to explore what they're good at and what they like."

- Beth Squire