SUNY Seeks to Strengthen Education Pipeline

Buffalo – The Education Pipeline was the topic of the second of seven statewide conversations held today at the University at Buffalo as part of the State University of New York Strategic Planning process.

“The education pipeline flows from early childhood through primary and secondary education, higher education, workforce and career development. Unfortunately, this pipeline is leaking, and people are falling out at all levels," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.  “Today, a group of 200 delegates from across the SUNY system discussed innovative strategies to plug those leaks and help students travel seamlessly along the pipeline. 

Chancellor Zimpher emphasized that SUNY is uniquely positioned to assist New York's education system in addressing pipeline issues, noting that “SUNY is a talent source for educators from early childhood through graduate school, and we need to act as supply chain managers -- to make sure New York's education pipeline provides a pathway to success for every student." 

“I welcome this opportunity to collaborate closely with SUNY,” said Robert M. Bennett, chancellor emeritus of the New York State Board of Regents.  “The new Chancellor's approach addresses the needs of families more comprehensively than in the past.  School readiness and transitions at key stages in the education pipeline are essential elements of a successful education system.”

The Education Pipeline is one of several themes under discussion as part of SUNY’s overall strategic planning discussion.  Other Themes are: Ensuring Economic Vitality and the Quality of Life, Energy and Sustainability, Quality of Place, Diversity and Globalization, Arts and Culture, and Health Affairs.

To learn more about each Theme click here and the schedule for all meetings is available here.

About the Strategic Plan

To advance the State University of New York in its mission and vision, Chancellor Zimpher is leading the formation and implementation of a SUNY-wide strategic plan that will guide SUNY for the next five years and advise SUNY in its development for the next ten years. This ambitious, inclusive and transparent statewide collaborative planning process includes gathering observations, suggestions, ideas and comments, and engaging many stakeholders through campus visits, statewide conversations, open forums, social media and other outreach.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating nearly 440,000 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

-30-