Interim Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark Statement regarding Governor Eliot Spitzer¿s 2008 State of the State address

“The Governor outlined the strongest recommendations for the State University of New York in generations. He has offered the people of New York a vision of a better future for the state and for its children that can be achieved by making a strong investment in our educational institutions. The Governor’s robust support signals that education is truly the driver of the innovation economy.

“Of particular importance to SUNY is the hiring eminent scholars and 2,000 additional full-time faculty members. These recommendations, if enacted, will allow the State University of New York’s campuses to further strengthen the quality education we provide and prepare our students to compete in the global economy.

“The provision for a permanent endowment for the University will provide sustainable resources for SUNY will enable our campuses to continue to prosper as premier educational and economic engines in New York State and the world; attracting the best and brightest students to learn from distinguished faculty members.

 “SUNY must expand its research enterprise to more effectively compete with other states and nations for jobs and to spur economic development.  The governor’s call to create an Innovation Fund to attract eminent scholars and leading-edge research will bring critical research funding and spur economic development throughout the state.

“SUNY’s 30 community colleges provide access to a better future for more than 200,000 New Yorkers. We fully support the governor’s call to broaden the road for those students seeking to further their educations by transferring to SUNY’s baccalaureate and doctoral degree-granting institutions and its 30 community colleges.

“SUNY is a wonderful system that includes eminent research universities such as AAU members University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University, as well as University at Albany and Binghamton University, comprehensive colleges, technology colleges, health centers and community colleges. Today we stand with the Governor in pursuing a stronger, effective role for SUNY in growing the state economy, and we thank Governor Spitzer for his inspirational and innovative leadership.”

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