Five Questions with Benjamin Suro '04

Benjamin Suro ’04 is the principal of Dwight Morrow High School in the Englewood Public School District in Englewood, New Jersey. In the two years he has held this position, he has worked diligently to serve his school’s 1,200 students who hail from both urban and suburban settings. Like many school administrators, he has seen staff and students in his district face the challenges of the pandemic head on and learn to adapt to the ever-changing education landscape. Throughout it all, he lives by the following tenant: to be a true leader, do not just seek answers, but look for inspiration.  

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment so far?
A:  I am most proud that I fulfilled my professional goal of becoming a principal of a large and vibrant educational community.  I have always wanted to lead a school and develop into a leader who prioritizes the development of effective teaching and learning, along with the development of a shared leadership model.

Q: In either your work or daily life, what motivates you most?
A: I am highly motivated to make a difference in my teachers' and students' educational experience, and to one day have my daughter say that her father makes her proud.

Q: How did Mercy College impact your life? 
A: Mercy gave me an opportunity to develop my leadership capacities both in and out of the classroom.  My professors pushed me to be my best academically, and this translated into being recognized for different awards by my professors.  I still have those awards and look to them as a major accomplishment for me.  Mercy gave me the opportunity to grow and become a leader in the various communities I am a part of now.

Q: Select just 3 words that describe the Mercy College experience?
A: Transformational, comprehensive, fun

Q: What one piece of advice would you share with a current Mercy College student?
A: My hope for you is that you continue to be a lifelong learner; that you are of service to others; that you never let your doubt muddle your potential; that you stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who love you, support you and believe in you.