The State University of New York is on the move. SUNY helps uplift communities all across New York State, and we’re laying the groundwork for New York’s long-term economic leadership. 

SUNY has seen tremendous growth and progress during a challenging time for public higher education nationally, in large part because Gov. Kathy Hochul and our state Legislature prioritize SUNY, and understand that a successful SUNY system helps ensure a strong and prosperous New York. For New York to be an economic leader, we need a workforce that is educated, trained and ready to step up. For New York to be a technological leader, we need to invest in research and ensure technological breakthroughs serve the public good and improve lives. For New York to be an academic leader, we need to invest in engaging courses that inspire students and encourage civic discourse. For New York to be a leader in economic opportunity, we need higher education to serve as an engine of upward mobility. Simply put: SUNY’s success is New York state’s success. To sustain it, we must sustain the enthusiastic support we have seen from our governor and our lawmakers.

Nearly every New Yorker lives within 30 miles of one of SUNY’s 64 institutions, making our campuses accessible for local community members seeking job training, college courses, mid-career changes, advanced degrees or simply the chance to take a class on something that sparks their interest. Our campuses are also places where New Yorkers can enjoy sports, arts and social events. They are also economic anchor institutions within their communities, and many times are the largest employers in their regions. It’s no wonder that SUNY’s annual economic impact is well more than $31 billion.

We like to say that there is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker. As the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the nation, SUNY includes community colleges, medical and dental schools, the nation’s oldest maritime college, a law school, leading research institutions, and comprehensive and agricultural and tech campuses that can further every aspiration and dream. Thanks to the strong support of Hochul and state leaders, as well as the commitment from the SUNY Board of Trustees, we have been able to keep tuition costs from rising, make progress toward our goal of providing an internship for every student, take action on climate sustainability initiatives and expand access to affordable higher education through programs like SUNY Reconnect, which offers free tuition, fees, books and supplies for adult learners seeking an associate degree in high-demand fields.

That strong state support has fueled SUNY’s rise as a national research leader at a time when both public and private higher education institutions are struggling with research funding. Cutting-edge research projects are happening across the system — from the RNA Institute at the State University of New York at Alban; to the Center for AI Responsibility and Research at the State University of New York at Binghamton; to the new biofabrication research and imaging facility at the State University of New York at Buffalo; to the Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. These forward-looking investments — with support made possible by the governor and state Legislature — will help us continue to attract top researchers, and ensure that the next leaps in technology take place in New York.

Our students come from every corner of our state, and our nearly three million alumni are leaders here in New York and throughout the world. We advance student success through initiatives like the Educational Opportunity Program, or EOP; Advancing Success in Associate Pathways, or ASAP; and Advancing Completion through Engagement, or ACE; which provide students with wraparound supports as they navigate college courses and prepare to thrive after graduation. We also empower students committed to public service with the Empire State Service Corps, which gives students the opportunity to do public service in a variety of fields — from tutoring in K-12 schools to peer mental health counseling — and earn money at the same time. At SUNY, we believe this is all part of what it means to offer a well-rounded education that prepares students for good jobs and fulfilling lives.

To keep up this momentum, and to make sure New York continues to benefit from a strong public university system, we must keep investing in SUNY and have a forward-looking vision for our future needs. This includes capital plans to repair and renovate facilities, as well as essential funds so that we can empower students to unleash their full potential, and continued investments in our community colleges, as more New Yorkers seek to earn high-demand degrees. Now is the time to ensure SUNY is able to meet the challenges of today and ready for the future. SUNY campuses, and all New Yorkers, benefit from the strong commitment of Governor Hochul and the State Legislature. With their continued support, we will help move New York to even higher heights. 

Dr. John B. King Jr. is the chancellor of the State University of New York and, under President Barack Obama, served as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.  

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