Statement of Support by SUNY Empire State College President Merodie A. Hancock for Stand with SUNY and the 2016 State of the University Address

‌For Immediate Release: Monday, Jan. 11, 2016

“SUNY Empire State College is proud to stand with Chancellor Zimpher, the SUNY Board of Trustees, all campuses and citizens throughout the state to help to achieve the systemwide goal of awarding 150,000 degrees every year by year 2020.

“Community college graduates working in health-care professions across the state will have greater access and opportunity for degree completion through SUNY Empire’s new bachelor’s program in health science, which is modeled on the college’s successful RN to B.S. in Nursing degree.

“SUNY Empire will be able to offer this new evidence-based program, and bring it to scale, thanks to a $400,000 award from SUNY’s new investment and performance fund.

“For radiologic technicians, emergency medical technicians, dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants and so many others, completing a bachelor’s means more and better job prospects for them and their families. It also means better health care for New Yorkers.

“The positive momentum in achieving the completion agenda now underway at SUNY Empire, and across the system, can be dramatically increased, and I join the chancellor, members of the board, my fellow presidents and citizens across the state in urging the governor and the state Legislature to expand the state’s investment in SUNY.”

Media contact: David Henahan, director of communications

518-580-2918, office

518-321-7038, cell

David.Henahan@esc.edu