Communications

Media Toolkit

Generation SUNY

Chancellor Zimpher

The Power of SUNY

News

The Power of SUNY: What People Are Saying

State & Local Leaders
Campus Presidents
Strategic Plan Steering Committee

State & Local Leaders

"The SUNY strategic plan represents an unprecedented, new vision of SUNY's role in New York, in addition to a timely recognition of major changes in our economy. This plan has the potential to revitalize New York State for generations, all while ensuring that our students receive a top-quality education that not only enriches their lives, but enriches our society. More than ever before, the future of New York is tied to the future of SUNY." (read more)
-- David A. Paterson
Former New York State Governor

"With nearly a half-million students, almost 90,000 faculty and staff members, and 64 campuses around the state, SUNY is in a unique position to leverage its vast educational network and transform it into an economic engine that can help drive the state back to fiscal health and economic stability. With families and communities throughout New York teetering on the brink of financial ruin and in desperate need of economic relief, SUNY's innovative economic development plan may be exactly what we need to start renewing the promise of New York."
-- Christopher P. St. Lawrence
Supervisor, Town of Ramapo
NYS Lieutenant Governor Candidate

"SUNY and CUNY are in many ways obfuscated and unable to provide the services that they can. This whole Empowerment and Innovation Act is about is liberating them, giving them the opportunity to provide the resources to their students so that we can become a part of global industries and a new global economy."
-- David A. Paterson
New York State Governor

Campus Presidents

"Certainly ears perked up across the state as SUNY mobilized and conducted discussion after discussion about the potential of our State University to reinvigorate New York state. Chancellor Zimpher gathered hundreds of people at venues spanning the state, and many more -- from students to alumni, faculty to business people -- followed these wide-ranging conversations online. The plan that has resulted from this grassroots effort will help the university be the backbone of New York's economic recovery and help campus leaders make the most of the power of SUNY in our home communities."
-- Deborah F. Stanley
President
SUNY Oswego

"SUNY’s power as a system lies in the strength, potential and diversity of our 64 campuses. We all know that SUNY is an economic development engine for the whole state—one that will become even more powerful through the vision outlined by Chancellor Zimpher. And an engine needs fuel. What SUNYIT is doing and planning is to provide some of the fuel that will make that engine work. SUNYIT, together with its public and private partners, is already delivering—and is ready to do more. With a shared commitment to quality, accessibility and affordability, we are proud to contribute to the success of SUNY— demonstrating that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts."
-- Bjong Wolf Yeigh
President
SUNYIT

“The SUNY strategic plan is a vision that sees institutional excellence as the catalyst for a thriving knowledge economy and greater quality of life for communities throughout New York State. This is a vision for our collective future that UB very much shares. In this uncertain economic climate, the importance of this plan is all the more clear.  New York’s way forward lies with our ability to compete successfully in the 21st knowledge economy by developing new opportunities based on research and innovation. The University at Buffalo and our fellow SUNY institutions in the region are poised to lead that transformation, and Chancellor Zimpher’s strategic plan for SUNY's empowerment as a strong public higher education system provides the framework for us to do just that.” 
-- John B. Simpson
President
University at Buffalo

"The Power of SUNY" brings both energy and focus to the 64 diverse institutions that together form the State University of New York.  This plan unleashes the power of a unified system of public higher education that is committed to making a positive impact on the economic health of our state and the quality of life of the communities we serve. Finger Lakes Community College is proud to support SUNY's strategic direction."
-- Barbara G. Risser
President
Finger Lakes Community College

“Chancellor Zimpher’s new plan is bringing to the forefront the great potential of the 64-campus SUNY System.  The themes of the plan are ambitious yet relevant.  From economic development to a focus on health sciences and green technology, the Power of SUNY has already helped guide ECC’s new strategic plan in the right direction.  From our plan to the statewide economy, Chancellor Zimpher’s bold new ideas mark a new era for public higher education in New York State.”
-- Jack Quinn
President
Erie Community College

"New York State stands at a crossroad and by tapping into the strengths at each of the 64 campuses, SUNY can harness the collective intellect, creativity and energy to help the state succeed in the knowledge-based economy of the future.  The ideas and initiatives presented in the Power of SUNY provide the roadmap for SUNY's contributions and will have significant impact in all regions of the State of New York."
-- Lois B. DeFleur
President
Binghamton University

"The Power of SUNY challenges a public institution of higher education to lead through strategic, focused innovation in which every participant takes ownership – in short, to become entrepreneurial. The success of this venture can become a model for reinvigorating New York State itself."
-- Daniel P. Larson, D.M.A.
President
Cayuga Community College

“The Strategic Plan seeks to unite all the diverse campuses within our system around common goals, thereby strengthening SUNY and enhancing our reputation locally and nationally. New York’s current dire economic situation provides an impetus for SUNY to strive even harder to become a major economic engine in the state. The Strategic Plan sets realistic goals that will build on SUNY’s strengths and propel the system and the individual campuses forward.”
-- Dr. Cliff L. Wood
President
Rockland Community College

"SUNY should be justly proud of this strategic plan that puts bold ideas within everyone’s grasp. The plan builds upon the strengths of our campuses to prepare for the future and provides a long-needed vision that reflects the potential and united power of SUNY."
-- David R. Smith, MD
President
SUNY Upstate Medical University

"It is always special to be part of something that could be transformative, game-changing, and ground-breaking.  The SUNY Strategic Plan is what New York needs right now.  This is the blueprint for unleashing the power of our 64 campuses on the two most important issues facing us, the economy and quality of life.  Its implementation, fueled by both innovation and  strategic investment, will fulfill SUNY's promise and help  put New York State back on track.   I can't wait to get started."  
-- Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D.
President
Stony Brook University

“It was an honor to be a part of the strategic planning process. I am excited about this plan and the commitment embedded in every paragraph. This is not your traditional academic strategic plan - it is bold, exciting, and real, and certainly demands attention. It calls for action, requires commitment, and will aggressively move SUNY and all of New York forward. Every campus and community should be eager to help make this vision a reality!”
-- Raymond Cross
President
Morrisville State College

“Dr. Zimpher has visited our campuses, listened to our needs and through the most inclusive process brought forth a renewed, re-strategized and rebranded SUNY.  We were asked to solve impossible problems, dream big and never question our ability as a system to impact the entire state through the most audacious goals, and more importantly through accountable actions. At Herkimer, we look forward to embracing and enhancing the Power of SUNY by joining forces with our partners and our colleagues within SUNY to create regional initiatives. We are proud to be a major player in the plan because what is good for SUNY is good for all of us.”
-- Ann Marie Murray, Ph.D.
President
Herkimer County Community College

“The SUNY plan fits hand and glove with MCC’s mission and current initiatives in further preparing high school and college students for 21st-century jobs and in propelling the state economy forward through community partnerships. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in building this plan and commend Chancellor Zimpher for her exemplary leadership in this vision that will serve as a new model of excellence for MCC and all SUNY colleges.”
-- Anne M. Kress
President
Monroe Community College

"The strengths of SUNY can only be fully realized if the System thrives so that it can, in turn, facilitate realization of the great potential that is inherent in the campuses.  Campuses have been thwarted from realizing their potential while laboring under interminable constraints.  Chancellor Zimpher’s drive to unify the System with this strategic plan and to enlist broad public support has been inspirational and hopeful.  Fulfillment of the vision in “The Power of SUNY” will redound to the benefit of New York at a most critical time in our history." 
-- Hubert Keen
President
Farmingdale State College

"I am excited about the SUNY Strategic Plan and look forward to a re-energized SUNY assisting the State in rebuilding for the 21st Century"
-- Thomas J. Schwarz
President
Purchase College

“The State University of New York system has never before served as such a critical resource for economic development. Recent efforts toward this end have resulted in new jobs and careers for our citizens. Dr. Zimpher’s efforts to expand upon this role are to be commended as the 64 campuses in the SUNY system work together to further drive the economic engine of the state.”
-- Dr. Joseph Hankin
President
Westchester Community College

"As Chancellor Zimpher unleashes 'The Power of SUNY' across the state, we especially look forward to the roll-out of this dynamic strategic plan in Rochester on April 27. Business and community leaders alike will see first-hand how the six big ideas and the central premise that SUNY will revitalize New York's economy will enhance the quality of life for our citizens in the greater Rochester area. Further, SUNY's Strategic Plan and core values starting with student-centeredness resonate well with my own strategic vision for The College at Brockport, State University of New York and our big ideas as well."
-- Dr. John Halstead
President
SUNY Brockport

"This plan sets almost 400 years of American higher ed history on its head by putting New York's economic and social needs at the forefront of the planning process rather than the university's."
-- Kevin E. Drumm, PhD
President
Broome Community College

"The SUNY strategic planning process was a fully inclusive effort, and the resultant ground-breaking document provides a detailed roadmap for economic recovery in this state.  Chancellor Zimpher's extraordinary vision of "The Power of SUNY" clearly reflects the ability of the SUNY System to contribute in ways that will ultimately benefit all residents of New York State.  As President of SUNY Cortland, I am proud to participate in this important initiative."
-- Erik J. Bitterbaum
President
SUNY Cortland

“This strategic plan clearly shows that SUNY will play a vital part in the economic revitalization of the State of New York and provide a better quality of life for all its citizens.  While all six goals will see their imprint on our own campus strategic plan, I have to say ensuring a seamless education pipeline in Ulster County will be our highest priority.  I believe our SUNY community colleges are ideally placed throughout the state to work closely and effectively with their local school districts.  We need to work together to guarantee that every high school student will graduate – and possess the skills that comprise 'college readiness.'  That’s the power of SUNY!” 
-- Don Katt
President
SUNY Ulster

“The Power of SUNY has far reaching and positive implications for the entire SUNY system and certainly Niagara County Community College. It is critical during these financially challenged times that SUNY responds with a bold initiative like “The Power of SUNY” that make institutions of higher education like Niagara County Community College more competitive and attractive to perspective students.”
-- James P. Klyczek
President
Niagara County Community College

"Like SUNY, Empire State College has huge potential if it harnesses and aligns all its energy across its complex system toward common goals. Only then will we have real power. A key section in the SUNY strategic plan for me is right up front and states: 'SUNY will be pivotal in generating growth and revitalizing our communities. SUNY is powerful, large and diverse, but can do more if its disparate parts work together.' For me, the chance to do more, collectively, with my colleagues across
the state – THAT is the Power of SUNY."
-- Alan Davis
President
Empire State College

"‘The Power of SUNY’ appropriately and concisely describes how SUNY can drive the State of New York to succeed economically, culturally, and educationally.  Having all 64 SUNY campuses working collaboratively on various aspects of the same major goals represents a new, strategic, and powerful approach."
-- Dennis L. Hefner
President
SUNY Fredonia

“Onondaga Community College enthusiastically supports the Chancellor’s efforts to advance higher education in New York State, and most importantly, to advance high quality, affordable educational opportunities that will propel the overall economy and workforce. In particular, tens of thousands of community college students seek the crucial benefits of continuing their education at SUNY. The seamless education pipeline – associate’s degree to baccalaureate degree and beyond – is tremendously important, and we look forward to working with SUNY and our sister institutions to make this dream a reality for even more New Yorkers.”
-- Dr. Debbie L. Sydow
President
Onondaga Community College

Strategic Plan Steering Committee

"The fact that town-hall conversations were held in every corner of the state to ensure that student voices from all campuses were heard is unprecedented. Students can finally say they were instrumental in the creation of a plan which will benefit generations of students to come."
-- Melody Mercedes
President, SUNY Student Assembly
SUNY Trustee

“This strategic plan, The Power of SUNY, is distinguished by the breadth of the 200 representatives who met eight times during the past six months to discuss issues that are central to both New York State and its public university. The result is a plan that rewrites the relationship between SUNY and the citizens of the state, with SUNY committing its intellectual and human resources to revitalizing New York's economy and enriching its social and community life.”
-- Kenneth O’Brien
President
SUNY Faculty Senate

“By focusing on innovation and inclusion SUNY’s strategic plan promises to renew New York’s economy. At Purchase we are energized by SUNY’s vision for the state’s creative economy of the 21st century. We welcome this plan that catalyzes our institutional strengths and diversity.” 
-- Damian Fernandez
Provost and Executive Vice President
Purchase College


"SUNY hit a home run! The Strategic Planning process is an extraordinary example of collegiality that will reap benefits to the citizens of New York for years to come. It is a proud achievement."
-- Dr. Karen E. Markoe
Humanities Department Chair
Distinguished Service Professor
Maritime College

 

"It has been my privilege to represent the New York Community College Trustees organization (NYCCT) and to participate in the deliberations of such an important document that will affect the lives of so many New Yorkers and potentially all parts of the Country. Its impact on the future of education and economic development is immeaasurable. I look forward to the implementation of the Plan and the role that the governing bodies , such as the Trustees, will play in the results ". It is truly a testament to te SUNY story past, present and future.Kudos to the Chancellor and her staff."
-- Mary A. Adams
President
New York Community College Trustees (NYCCT)

"What was truly remarkable about this plan was the dedication to include all stakeholders in the strategic planning process. For the first time in my college career, I as able to sit down with administrators, professors, community leaders, and fellow students to collectively discuss cross-cutting issues and develop solutions to problems that many of us thought were unique to our own campus or situation. The inclusive nature of this process has been an instrumental stepping stone in strengthening the identity of SUNY."
-- Kevin Bretscher
Graduate Centers Representative
SUNY Student Assembly

"Certainly ears perked up across the state as SUNY mobilized and conducted discussion after discussion about the potential of our State University to reinvigorate New York state. Chancellor Zimpher gathered hundreds of people at venues spanning the state, and many more -- from students to alumni, faculty to business people -- followed these wide-ranging conversations online. The plan that has resulted from this grassroots effort will help the university be the backbone of New York's economic recovery and help campus leaders make the most of the power of SUNY in our home communities."
-- Deborah F. Stanley
President
SUNY Oswego

"It is always special to be part of something that could be transformative, game-changing, and ground-breaking.  The SUNY Strategic Plan is what New York needs right now.  This is the blueprint for unleashing the power of our 64 campuses on the two most important issues facing us, the economy and quality of life.  Its implementation, fueled by both innovation and  strategic investment, will fulfill SUNY's promise and help  put New York State back on track.   I can't wait to get started."  
-- Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D.
President
Stony Brook University

“It was an honor to be a part of the strategic planning process. I am excited about this plan and the commitment embedded in every paragraph. This is not your traditional academic strategic plan - it is bold, exciting, and real, and certainly demands attention. It calls for action, requires commitment, and will aggressively move SUNY and all of New York forward. Every campus and community should be eager to help make this vision a reality!”
-- Raymond Cross
President
Morrisville State College

 


Copyright © 2013 The State University of New York. All rights reserved.

SUNY is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. SUNY External Site Disclaimer.

Last Update - 1/3/11