SUNY Adirondack reports enrollment gains, new programs and reaccreditation work

SUNY Adirondack leaders told Washington County committee members on June 5 that the college’s enrollment and program mix have improved after recent efforts to expand access and align offerings with local employer demand.

President Anastasia L. Urtz said the college — in its 65th year — has added degrees such as environmental science and health sciences and is pursuing credentials that embed artificial intelligence and project-management skills at employers’ request. She also said the college has begun a multi-year reaccreditation self-study and is completing a new strategic plan to be presented in the fall.

Vice President Keith Kaplan described enrollment gains: the college reported about 260 more full-time-equivalent students than the same time last year (around a 24% increase in the early fall counts) and noted Washington County student enrollment is up 51% year-over-year. Officials credited SUNY Reconnect (which provides tuition-free access to adults ages 25–55) and broader workforce-education initiatives, and said the loan environment has led some students to begin at the community college before transferring.

College leaders said they are expanding short-term certificates eligible for federal financial aid and are working with local employers and architects on a facilities master plan to optimize campus space for new programs. The presentation also noted 478 graduates in the prior year and that 41 nurses completed pinning ceremonies.

Committee members acknowledged the reported gains and progress; officials said the college intends to continue investing in student services, technology and targeted academic programs while aligning staffing levels with enrollment demand.