Meet our
Bethaida “Bea” González was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, and is a long-time resident of Syracuse, New York. She has more than 20 years experience in continuing education, as well as a distinguished record of public service.
González joined University College (UC) in 1984 as an academic advisor and quickly rose through the ranks. After serving as associate dean at UC, she was appointed Interim Dean in 2004 and Dean 2007.
In addition to being recognized with numerous awards and honors for outstanding leadership in public and community service, González has been elected to public office three times. In fall 2001, González became the first Latino/a to be elected president of the City of Syracuse Common Council. Previously, González was elected to the Board of Education for the Syracuse City School District and chaired the Board’s Alternative Education Committee.
Among her many honors, González has been recognized as an Hispanic American of Distinction in New York State, and as an Unsung Heroine by the Central New York National Organization of Women. In 2005, she was honored by Peace Action of Central New York for “building bridges to peace.” González received the Syracuse University Chancellor’s Citation for Service in 2005, SU Women of Influence Award, 2005, “Entre Nosotras”Award, 2006, as well as the YWCA Academy of Diversity Achievers Award, 2007.
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