July 28, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY — SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. has been appointed to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Institutional and Financial Resilience, a national advisory body that helps shape policy and best practices for community colleges across the country.
Dr. Buckley will serve a two-year term from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The commission advises the AACC Board of Directors on issues affecting the financial health, strategic direction, and long-term success of community colleges.
President Buckley previously served on AACC’s Commission on College Readiness and has been an active presenter at AACC conferences. Most recently, she has shared her expertise on the impact of federal policy changes on community colleges and on the implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program, highlighting how colleges can connect students with workforce opportunities and strengthen economic mobility. Recently, SUNY Ulster launched the first SNAP E&T partnership of its kind between a community college and County DSS in New York State.
“I’m honored to serve on the Commission on Institutional and Financial Resilience and to collaborate with community college leaders from across the country,” Dr. Buckley said. “At their best community colleges are engines of opportunity, and this is a time for us to think creatively about how we meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. Innovation, strong partnerships, and responsible stewardship are essential to expanding access, creating pathways to economic mobility, and ensuring our institutions remain strong for generations to come. I look forward to contributing to those conversations and bringing new ideas back to SUNY Ulster.”
The American Association of Community Colleges is the nation’s leading advocacy organization for community colleges, representing nearly 1,000 institutions. Through its commissions, AACC brings together college leaders to address the issues shaping the future of higher education.
“President Buckley’s appointment reflects the respect she has earned among her colleagues nationwide,” said Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq., Chair of the SUNY Ulster Board of
Trustees. “Her experience and thoughtful leadership will benefit AACC’s work, and our College will benefit from the knowledge and relationships she brings back through her service.”
Dr. Buckley’s appointment underscores SUNY Ulster’s commitment to leadership beyond the campus and ensures the college has a voice in national conversations that affect community colleges and the students they serve.
About SUNY Ulster
SUNY Ulster is a community college of the State University of New York, serving Ulster County and the Hudson Valley with high-quality, affordable education to over six thousand students annually across 70 academic programs. The college offers transfer and career programs, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities that prepare students for success in college, careers, and their communities.
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