Month: February 2026

Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate

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Press Release with image of nursing student with patient reinaction

SUNY Ulster Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate for Second Year in a Row

February 27, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that its most recent cohort of nursing students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for the second year in a row. This achievement underscores SUNY Ulster’s success in preparing its students for this difficult test as well as for the demanding career of being a nurse.

For over 60 years, SUNY Ulster has kept up the highest caliber of teaching in the constantly evolving healthcare industry. From exceptional faculty and innovative curriculum to state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on learning students graduate into the workforce to provide critical care and support to community members. Students also receive on-site experience through our local hospitals.

“We are incredibly proud of our nursing graduates for their outstanding performance throughout their educational journey,” says Maria McCabe, department chair.  “Our commitment to training nurses who are not only clinically skilled but also have the ability to rise to whatever challenges may face them throughout their career is unwavering.”

In addition to the 100% NCLEX pass rate, the employment rate upon graduation has held steady at 100% for 2023 through 2025. Historically, the nursing pass rate was 95% in 2023 with 100% employment and 92.59% in 2022 with a 93% employment rate. SUNY Ulster also has a track record for surpassing the State and National pass rates which have ranged from 82 – 88% for New York State and 87% to 91% Nationally.

 “I applaud the unwavering dedication of our Nursing faculty in championing student success, as demonstrated by our students’ 100% NCLEX pass rate for the second consecutive year.  Our Nursing faculty’s tireless commitment to academic excellence and clinical preparation ensures that our graduates enter the workforce fully prepared to serve residents across Ulster County and beyond. Through their mentorship, expertise, and steadfast support, our faculty are shaping compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will touch countless lives and strengthen the health of our communities for years to come,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is part of the SUNY Reconnect program where adults aged 25 to 55 with no prior degree can earn this nursing degree for free. SUNY Reconnect pays for tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

Learn more about SUNY Ulster’s nursing program.

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SUNY Ulster Invites Prospective Students to March Info Sessions

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Text banner: join us for an Info sesion

February 25, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY– SUNY Ulster is inviting prospective students and parents to attend its March Information Sessions, designed to help individuals explore academic programs, student support, campus life, and the many opportunities available at the college.

General Admissions Info Sessions include:

Wednesday, March 11
Stone Ridge Campus, VAN 114
4-5 pm

Thursday, March 12
Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster
4-5 pm

These Info Sessions are open to high school students, adult learners, and anyone interested in learning more about SUNY Ulster’s welcoming campus community and student-centered learning environment. Adult students aged 25 to 55 with no prior degree can discover how they can earn a degree for free with SUNY Reconnect.

These sessions offer an inside look at SUNY Ulster, including details on degree and certificate programs, admissions requirements, financial aid, and student support services. Attendees will have the chance to meet knowledgeable staff, ask questions, and learn how SUNY Ulster provides an affordable, high-quality education with pathways to transfer or enter the workforce.

Registration is required.  Register Now. For more information, email admissions.

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Herrington Showcase Concert this March at SUNY Ulster Honors Memory of Former SUNY Ulster Bandleader, Lee Herrington

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Students performing in Concert

February 18, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. the music ensembles of SUNY Ulster will perform a concert to honor the memory of Lee Herrington. Herrington was a dedicated musician and mentor, the former band director at SUNY Ulster, a longtime Rondout Valley music teacher, and the former director of the Kingston local American Federation of Musicians Concert Band. The event will be held in the Quimby Theater, Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.

This annual memorial concert will have multiple performances with various combinations of groups that include SUNY Ulster college students, faculty, and staff members, SUNY Ulster Collegian students from Ulster County high schools, Ulster County community members, advanced high school and middle school students from Ulster County, and music educators from Ulster, Orange, and Dutchess counties.

Musical groups include the College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres with accompanist Edward Leavitt; the College/Community Band, directed by Carla Newsome; the Percussion and African Music Ensembles, directed by Paul Chambers; and the String Ensemble, directed by Anastasia Solberg.

The College Chorus will perform music from the Renaissance, The Patriotic Hymn “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, and a wonderful arrangement of the well-known spiritual, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”.  The College/Community Band will be performing Kaleidoscopic Dances by Joshua Trentatdue, Selections from The Greatest Showman as arranged by Paul Murtha, and Havana Nights by Randall Standridge. The Percussion Ensemble will perform a variety of contemporary works alongside traditional percussion music from Mexico and Uganda. Traditional drumming rhythms and songs from Guinea and Nigeria will be performed by the African Music Ensemble and after a several year hiatus, we happily welcome the String Ensemble back to SUNY Ulster.

This event is free and open to the public, donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Athletics Names Bob Tempestilli as New Head Softball Coach

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women playing softball

February 13, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Tempestilli as the College’s new Head Softball Coach.

Tempestilli brings eight years of experience as a travel softball head coach, where he developed a reputation for strong organizational leadership and the ability to make decisive choices in high-pressure environments. His experience guiding competitive teams and building cohesive programs positions him well to lead SUNY Ulster’s softball program into its next chapter.

Throughout his coaching career, Tempestilli has focused on developing programs that promote both the safety and growth of student-athletes. He is known for fostering a supportive, team-oriented environment where athletes can thrive on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, discipline, and athlete development, while balancing performance goals with long-term growth.

Tempestilli’s systematic and highly organized approach to coaching enables him to effectively manage team dynamics and ensure that players are aligned, informed, and prepared. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to team-building and creating a positive culture centered on accountability and excellence.

“I am eager to bring my passion for coaching to SUNY Ulster and contribute positively to the development of young athletes,” Tempestilli said. “I look forward to building a competitive and supportive environment for our student-athletes.”

SUNY Ulster Athletics is confident that Tempestilli’s experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete success will strengthen the softball program and continue to build pride within the College community.

For more information about SUNY Ulster Athletics,  visit the Athletics website. 

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Bob Tempestilli portrait