An “internationally recognized pioneer” in the field of Dominican women’s studies, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis has been appointed president of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College in the Bronx, part of The City University of New York (CUNY) system.
Having served as interim president of Hostos since August 2020, Cocco De Filippis is the first Dominican woman to serve as a CUNY college president. Immigrating to New York City with her mother at 13 years old, Cocco De Filippis later joined the CUNY system as a student. She would go on to earn four degrees from CUNY: a bachelor’s in Spanish and English literature and a master’s in Spanish literature from Queens College as well as a Master of Philosophy in Spanish literature and a Ph.D. in Spanish literature from the CUNY Graduate Center.
After graduating, she taught as a professor at CUNY’s York College for two decades before moving into administrative roles. From 2002 to 2008, she served as Hostos’ provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. She then became president of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley Community College from 2008 to 2020.
“Dr. Cocco De Filippis is, indeed, legendary,” said Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, who served as Hostos president from 2009-2014. “She has been recognized for her efforts over decades as a key education leader — and for her historic scholarship in Dominican Studies. Her research has enlightened us about the Dominican community, its strong women, its emblematic history and its contributions to our country, our city — and to the University. Dr. Cocco De Filippis’ personal journey from CUNY student to faculty to administrator and her work speak to CUNY’s promise to provide students with the opportunity to succeed on a level playing field.”
