SUNY Sullivan reports accreditation progress, budget uncertainty and plans to expand nursing and workforce programs

SUNY Sullivan President and college staff told the Sullivan County Government Services Committee that accreditation work is progressing but a recent accounting system issue has delayed budget planning and forced the college to prepare contingency plans.

The president said the college encountered an "infrastructure problem" with its financial system that caused opening balances to change when running reports, and that resolving the vendor issue set the audit back. The college said interim reports are forthcoming and that more detailed budget updates will be available at the next meeting.

The report emphasized enrollment and program development as the college's top priorities. Christina Buckley, SUNY Sullivan''s director of admissions, described outreach and recruitment efforts that include college fairs across nearby counties, instant-acceptance days at Sullivan County high schools, targeted mailings to seniors, FAFSA workshops, Spanish-language materials and daily one-on-one walking tours.

Buckley said 41% of fall applicants are Sullivan County residents, and about 250 applicants for fall 2025 appear eligible for the local Sullivan Promise scholarship, which the college said covers tuition and fees for qualifying county residents. She also said roughly 23% of applicants are adults age 25 to 55 and that that cohort is concentrated in nursing, respiratory care and construction technology.

On nursing, the college said it accepted about 40 students for the fall cohort and is adding faculty: two new hires in spring and another offer pending. The college stressed it will expand capacity incrementally to protect program quality and clinical placements and to maintain strong NCLEX pass rates. The president said a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program will start in the fall and other certificate pathways are under consideration.

The respiratory care program received 35 applications for 22 available seats under the college''s June 1 application deadline; the college said it is exploring ways to expand that program. Workforce-development training such as EMT and other short-term credentials also showed rising interest; staff reported new funding that may underwrite additional EMT classes.

College leaders highlighted the recently opened attain lab downtown in Monticello, funded separately by SUNY, which they described as a free "gym for credentials" offering high-school-equivalency testing, short certificates and support intended to connect residents to local employers.

The president and admissions director repeatedly flagged state-level proposals affecting higher education funding — including discussions in the SUNY system about Pell and federal work-study — and said the college must plan for multiple scenarios.

The college praised reengaged foundation activity and upcoming fundraising events, and announced a board retreat with the Association of Community College Trustees and a forthcoming trustee appointment process through the governor's office.

The college asked the committee for continued support as it balances growth with quality, particularly for clinical placements and faculty recruitment; officials said timing for program expansions will depend in part on budget clarity and available facilities.

Looking ahead, staff said more detailed budget information and follow-up on specific program expansions will be presented at the next county meeting.