SUNY Adirondack presents new programs, warns of tight 2025–26 operating budget; county referral approved

President Duffy, SUNY Adirondack, updated the Warren County Personnel Administration & Higher Education Committee on new academic programs, workforce training pilots and the college's proposed $33.3 million operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26 and the committee voted to refer the budget to the county Finance Committee for consideration.

The college said the budget will require drawing about $797,000 from its fund balance but would still leave the reserve within policy range. The presentation combined program development, enrollment data and a conservative plan for personnel costs, framed as stewardship by the college's finance leader.

Dr. Duffy summarized program development underway at the college and the approvals process. “We have 2 programs ... the radiologic technician ... and environmental science,” Duffy said, describing the multi-step approvals through the SUNY system and the State Education Department; the radiologic program also must be reviewed by the Office of the Professions because it leads to a licensed credential. Duffy said the radiologic technician program is expected to launch in fall 2026 if approvals proceed as anticipated and the environmental science degree could begin in spring 2026.

The college is expanding short-term workforce offerings as “micro‑credentials,” Duffy said, and continuing an HVAC pilot in partnership with the plumbers and steamfitters union. Duffy said the HVAC cohorts draw waiting lists and the college secured additional SUNY…