Charles DeLaney has been confirmed by the state Senate to a four-year term as a member of the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) board of trustees, announced President James C. Ross today. HESC is the State’s student financial aid agency.

Mr. DeLaney is the director of the New York Institute of Photography and the Sheffield School, two New York City-based distance education programs. Established in 1910, NYI has grown to become the premier provider of distance photography training, educating more than 20,000 students in the U.S. and more than 50 countries abroad. The Sheffield School was established in 1985 and has trained more than 50,000 people in interior design and design-related fields.

Mr. DeLaney has been a freelance photographer and photography teacher for over 30 years. In addition to his leadership at the New York Institute and Sheffield, he has taught photography in college, community and institutional settings. His photographs have appeared in books, magazines and newspapers. He is the author of several photography guide books, as well as hundreds of articles on photography. He has also been the sole tenant representative to the New York City Loft Board since its inception pursuant to the 1982 Loft Law.

"I am honored to join the highly esteemed board and provide a perspective that encompasses a sincere commitment to education and helping students realize their dreams, as well as the practical experience of a career educator," said Mr. DeLaney. "I'm particularly interested in HESC's mission at this critical point in time. The cost of higher education is frequently in the news these days, and I'm honored to help in the Corporation's work."

"Chuck brings his experience in public policy, working for a number of years with the New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents, and the perspective of an important sector to the HESC Board of Trustees," said Dr. Ross. "The student body of these institutions is diverse, and distance learning allows each to develop their potential, achieve their personal goals and succeed in their chosen fields. We are pleased with Chuck's appointment to our Board and look forward to him sharing this expertise."

"HESC and the people of New York State are fortunate to have Mr. DeLaney share his knowledge and help our continuing efforts to make higher education accessible to everyone," said HESC Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Richard Guarasci, President of Wagner College.

Mr. DeLaney is a graduate of Columbia College.

About HESC: The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is the State's student financial aid agency, providing more grant and scholarship money to college students than any other state in the nation. HESC helped nearly 650,000 students achieve their dream of attending college by providing $4.5 billion in grants, scholarships and loan guarantees in 2007-08, including $795 million awarded through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to more than 370,000 students. HESC also provides training and technical services to financial aid administrators, high school counselors and lenders.

Posted 06/17/09 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.