Assemblywoman Russell: SUNY Chancellor cites significant progress and will recommend separate presidential searches if Canton and Potsdam wish

I have talked with Chancellor Zimpher and she assures me that Potsdam and Canton have made significant progress with streamlining administrations, saving money and investing these savings back into student services.  It is admirable what these campuses have been doing to ensure the most resources possible go to where they are needed most.  These colleges are becoming leaders within the system and models of finding innovative ways to work together.

I stressed my desire that each campus retain its own president, and Chancellor Zimpher reiterated that from the beginning the path to sharing services has been campus-driven and their input will be key on how best to move forward.

She further informed me that the campus administrations have asked for more time, possibly another full year, to achieve greater efficiencies and additional savings.   At that time, if both colleges wish to proceed with separate presidential searches, Chancellor Zimpher would make that recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

I plan to continue to monitor this issue closely with the administrations and with Chancellor Zimpher's team to ensure these colleges have the support they need throughout this process.

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