Back in September, we took a look at the higher education landscape in Georgia and in this edition we turn our attention to the state of New York, which like several of its Northeastern counterparts, has it all in terms of the types of higher ed institutions available to not only its own residents but the world. New York has large state universities, smaller city colleges, Ivy Leagues, women’s colleges, community colleges, you name it. Attracting people from all over the world to work, live and attend school, New York colleges and universities reflect that diversity.

Our cover story is likely to stir up many emotions — anger, sadness, happiness. In “Dreams Deferred?” senior editor Christina Asquith chronicles the journey of Alan Newton, who was wrongly imprisoned for 22 years. Now a student at Medgar Evers College, he is counseling Black men to stay on the “straight and narrow.” I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but you will no doubt experience feelings of great injustice. And although it was this country’s justice system that failed Newton, the opportunity to finally fulfill his lifelong dream of attending college is a testament to this country and its higher education system that one can essentially start over. I know you will be moved by his story.

Other features to check out:

- Was CUNY’s demise exaggerated? When the City University of New York abolished open admissions in 1999, many thought minority enrollment would take a hit. But has it? Senior writer Ronald Roach reports on how officials are ensuring access;

- Who says community college students can’t transfer to elite institutions? Senior writer David Pluviose reports on Cornell University’s “Pathway to Success” program;