The University took current form with the Act of Unification in 1905 but the roots are in the creation of the Board of Regents in 1784. New York is unique among the states in having so much of that capacity connected. The parts of the University have many productive relationships. For example, libraries are at the center of any college or school. The 38 licensed professions are concerned with the regulated application of distinct disciplines that emerge from both practice and academic research.
Teacher preparation involves both academic discipline in higher education and practice in schools.
The University must face complex challenges. The Queens Borough Public Library is one place where the rapidly evolving University is on display. That library serves a large community of immigrants. On a day when the Regents happened to be visiting, every seat in the library was occupied. There were parents with small children, young people working on school projects, college students, business people, and seniors.