Yesterday, I traveled to Albany to watch and listen to SUNY's Chancellor, Nancy Zimpher, deliver the first State of the University Address in SUNY history. True to form, Chancellor Zimpher delivered an inspiring message that the State University of New York is the engine for the State's economic recovery and a catalyst for improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.
As I sat and listened, I could not help but draw parallels between what SUNY is doing throughout the State and what we here at Clinton Community College are doing in the North Country. By partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, The Development Corporation and educators at CV-TEC and SUNY Plattsburgh, we are helping to strengthen economic conditions here in our area. Our credit-based enrollment last year was up by almost 10%, and our non-credit training programs grew by some 39% last year. We educated and trained students in emerging sectors, including technology, manufacturing and alternative energy, while we continued our commitment to transfer programs that are part of the seamless education pipeline.
In addition to building human capital for a stronger economy, we at Clinton are also educating good citizens who will lead and guide this region into a future with a quality of life that is as good as or better than it is today. Some of our students are aspiring to work in Human Services, Criminal Justice and Nursing to name a few. Our students are developing a deeper appreciation for the value that lies in human diversity, they are practicing leadership skills, and they are building character. All of these traits will serve our community well as they rise to lead us into the future.
The Chancellor is a champion of higher education, as you would expect. She believes that each campus working alone can do some good, and she knows that all 64 SUNY campuses working together can bring about historic, positive change for the entire State of New York. This is The Power of SUNY, and we at Clinton are proud to be a part of it.
That's what I think. I'm interested to know what you think. Please let me know by sending an e-mail to presidentsblog@clinton.edu.
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