Start Here

SUNY Ulster Launches Free Associate Degree Program for Adults

by
SUNY Ulster Press Release

SUNY Reconnect Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies Covered for Adults Ages 25–55 without a Prior Degree

May 19, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce the launch of SUNY Reconnect, Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to make college more accessible for adults aged 25 to 55 who have not yet earned a degree. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible students can pursue an associate degree tuition-free in fields that lead to in-demand, family-sustaining careers.

Backed by the leadership of Governor Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., and the New York State Legislature, SUNY Reconnect is designed to support adult learners in achieving their educational goals while strengthening the regional workforce.

At SUNY Ulster, qualifying adults can pursue an associate degree for free in the following high-demand fields:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Network Administrator
  • Nursing
  • Pathways to Teaching in shortage areas

“Expanding access to higher education is central to the mission of community colleges,” said Alison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster. “Governor Hochul and Chancellor King’s leadership in launching SUNY Reconnect is a game-changer. This program aligns perfectly with SUNY Ulster’s commitment to empowering individuals, supporting families, and uplifting our entire community. We are excited to welcome more students into programs that lead to meaningful careers and brighter futures.”

Enrollment is open for the Fall 2025 semester, which begins August 25. Interested individuals are invited to learn more at an upcoming virtual information session on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration for the session is available at sunyulster.edu/visit.

For full program details and eligibility, visit sunyulster.edu/freeCC.

# # #

SUNY Ulster GED Graduates Celebrate Milestone and Pursuit of Bright Futures

by
Press Release GED Grads 2025

May 5, 2025 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrated the graduation of 18 community members upon receiving their GED on April 25, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster.

Dressed in caps and gowns and attended by families, President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. and Vice President for Workforce, Economic Development, and Community Partnerships, Christopher Marx Ed.D., presented each graduate. Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq., Trustee, was present to represent the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees on the platform party. Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator was the Master of Ceremony, Chief of Staff, Jenn Zell sang the National Anthem, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Candice Van Dyke was the keynote speaker. The invocation and benediction were performed by the Reverend Gia Lynn Hall, Pastor of St. James Methodist Church in Kingston. Student reflections were given by graduates Shawn Michael Jackson and Aiden Ryan.

“It takes courage to go back and finish. Many faced obstacles yet all of the 18 students achieved their goal of attaining their GED. And, achieving this goal means opportunities lie ahead for these graduates in terms of continuing their education and gaining better jobs with higher salaries,” said Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator.

Of the 18 graduates, four are already enrolled at SUNY Ulster and seven more are exploring SUNY Ulster as the next step of their educational journey.

“We are inspired by our 2025 GED graduates and were honored to participate in the inaugural graduation ceremony at the KCSU. We look forward to their bright futures as they attain their goals.”  Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The next two GED sessions run from May 27 through July 3 and September 9 through October 16. To learn more, email Mr. Turner at turnerc@sunyulster.edu or call 845 339-2025.

# # #

SUNY Ulster Opens Registration for Four New Microcredentials Providing Skills to Advance Careers 

by
broadcasting

April 28, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is registering students for four new microcredentials to help local residents distinguish themselves in high-demand careers. These microcredentials allow students to gain highly focused skills aligned with the needs of businesses in the Hudson Valley or conducive to joining the gig economy as an entrepreneur.  Classes begin on August 25, 2025.

Digital Storytelling teaches students how to create powerful stories using a range of media and technologies. In four courses, students will be prepared for work in marketing, social media, and content creation.

Fashion Design combines the creative and technical sides of fashion design, providing a strong foundation in apparel design, construction, and the fashion business. Its focus on the practical skills empowering students with the knowhow to gain entry into this exciting career.

Medical Office Administrator adds the skills to students’ tool belts to keep things running smoothly in busy medical offices. As careers in healthcare administration grow, workers who know how to schedule appointments, manage patient records, and handle billing will be an asset to any medical office.

Music Therapy provides the expertise for students to make a meaningful impact in clinical and educational settings that facilitate personal growth, emotional well-being, and improved communications. This microcredential offers an added career opportunity for anyone with a music background.

SUNY Ulster currently offers 27 microcredentials in a wide variety of skills and career applications. Microcredentials are short programs of study that provide relevant skills needed in today’s marketplace. They take less time to earn than a degree or certificate, often achievable in one year or less. Once the requirements of a microcredential are achieved, students are awarded proof in the form of a digital badge that can be added to a resume or LinkedIn profile. All of the credits earned from completing a microcredential can be stacked toward a SUNY Ulster Associate’s degree at any time.

Online and professional education association, UPCEA, reports their recent study found nearly 100% of organizational leaders see benefits from employees earning microcredentials. Employers appreciate employees or prospective employees’ initiative in developing new skills and competencies.

 Learn more ,about SUNY Ulster’s microcredentials

# # #

Alumni Art Exhibit – Call for Artists

by

The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present a celebration of work by our valued alumni.


June 26 – July 24
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 3 pm

Calendar

  • Exhibition Dates: Thurs. June 26 – Thurs. July 24
  • Submission Deadline: Fri. May 16
  • Delivery of Artwork: Mon. June 2 & Weds. June 4 Noon – 5 pm
  • Opening Reception: Thurs. June 26, 4-6 pm
  • Pick up/Return of Artwork: July 28, 29, 30

Call for Entry

The Department of Fine and Visual Art and the SUNY Ulster Foundation invites all SUNY Ulster alumni to submit work to be included in the 2025 Alumni Exhibition. Alumni can submit up to three pieces for consideration.  All artwork must be original and all media are acceptable.

Eligibility

Open to all SUNY Ulster alumni. Works must be completed after graduation, preferably within the last three years. Artwork may be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, video-based, or installation/site-specific.

Entry to this exhibition implies agreement on the part of the sender to the conditions set forth in this prospectus.

Media/Specifications

All work accepted for the show must be ready to hang, be self-supporting on a pedestal or the floor, be prepared for viewing on a monitor, or be ready for display in another specified manner.

Three-dimensional or installation work may include up to 2 additional detail images. Artists submitting video artwork must submit a 5 minute clip of the video for review. Potential final acceptance of video work will be determined after viewing the full video.

Submission Format

  • All works must be submitted in .jpg format.
  • Submissions will be accepted online only; any submitted work that differs from the digital entry guidelines below may be disqualified.
  • All image files must be named exactly as follows: Lastname_Firstname_Titleofwork.jpg
  • IMPORTANT: The names of your image files must not contain spaces or special characters ( – / . # etc). Underscores _ are fine.
  • Files must be 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels on its largest side
  • Email files to: Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Alumni Exhibition” in your subject line.

Delivery of Work

Selected artists are requested to provide a current artist statement to accompany exhibited artwork addressing where you are in your career. Additionally, selected artists are requested to provide information for promotion (3 images, contact information, website, and social media contact).

Accepted work may be delivered in person or shipped postage paid by the artist in appropriate packaging for artwork that is reusable upon return shipment.

Deliver or ship work to arrive between June 2 and 4 to:

SUNY Ulster Community College,
℅ Muroff-Kotler Gallery,
491 Cottekill Rd,
Stone Ridge, NY 12484

  • Shipped artwork will be returned in the packing that it arrives in and must contain information (prepaid shipping label…) for return
  • All artists/lenders are responsible for transportation of the work to and from SUNY Ulster
  • C.O.D. deliveries will not be accepted
  • PLEASE: NO PACKING POPCORN

Presentation

Wall-mounted work: Not to exceed 5’ in height or width, and 60 lbs.

Installations: May not alter the character of gallery walls, ceiling or floor.

Pedestals will be provided for 3-D work.

All works must be ready to install. 2-D work must be framed under plexiglass or glass (with exception of works on canvas) and wired with the necessary hanging device attached. Unframed works should be shipped with the appropriate hanging equipment and installation instructions.

The juror or Program Coordinator may withhold works that are misrepresented by digital submission or that are not adequately prepared for display.

SUNY Ulster Holds Student Art Exhibition This May

by

April 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – Students from the Fine Art: Visual Art program of SUNY Ulster will hold a spring exhibition of their work on the Stone Ridge campus. The exhibition will run from Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 24. The opening will be held on May 8 from 4-6 p.m. in the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery in Vanderlyn Hall, room 265.

The Fine Art/Visual Art Exhibition will feature work from the graduating class of 2025. Displayed outside the gallery will be a curated selection of student work representing a range of art courses, including Drawing and Composition II, Painting, Printmaking, Watercolor, Introduction to Drawing, Photography, and Introduction to Design Foundations.

SUNY Ulster’s art programs provide students with foundation courses and career skills, taught by faculty who are working professionals in their fields. Students learn artistic, technical, and theoretical skills in addition to general education courses that prepare them for transfer to complete their four-year degree or enter the job market. Many of SUNY Ulster’s art graduates transfer to top art colleges such as Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz, and more.

The event is free and open to the public. The Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information on the exhibition, contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

# # #

SUNY Ulster Named a 2025-2026 Top Ten Silver Military Friendly® School Designation

by
Press Release

April 24, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster announces it has earned a Silver Top Ten spot in the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation and a Military Spouse Friendly School designation. Military Friendly®  is the designation that measures a school’s commitment to veterans, current military members, and their dependents.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2025-2026 survey with 830 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2025-2026 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer) and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“SUNY Ulster is committed to supporting our veterans, military personnel, and their families in attaining their educational goals.  With a broad array of College-wide support, we’re a community that ensures our students succeed and qualify upon graduation to begin their careers and earn family-sustaining wages.” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President.

 “Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages Institutions to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, exceeding the standard.” – Kayla Lopez, Vice President, Military Friendly®.

Interested veterans and their families can learn more about SUNY Ulster’s military veteran opportunities by contacting the SUNY Ulster Enrollment & Success Center at esc@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5022.

About Military Friendly® Schools:

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

# # #

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

by
nursing students

April 15, 2025 – 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). 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 is also 100%. Historically, the nursing pass rate was 95% in 2023 with 100% employment and 92.59% in 2022 with a 93% employment rate. SUNY Ulster has surpassed the 2024 NCLEX pass rate for New York State of 87.07% and 90.63% nationally.

“I applaud the work of our Nursing faculty in supporting the success of our students as they enter the workforce ready to serve residents in Ulster County and beyond in their critical role as nurses, touching the lives of their patients and communities,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

For more details about SUNY Ulster’s nursing program, please visit https://bit.ly/ulsternursing.

#   #    #

Spring Open House & Accepted Students Day, Saturday, April 26

by
Press Re;ease

SUNY Ulster Holds Spring Open House and Accepted Students Day 2025 on Saturday, April 26

April 4, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host its 2025 Spring Open House and Accepted Students Day on the Stone Ridge campus on Saturday, April 26. Check-in starts at 8 a.m., followed by Welcome Addresses at 8:30 a.m. Scheduled sessions and tours will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and run through 1 p.m.

Attendees will learn about SUNY Ulster’s academic programs, student services, campus life, athletics, and more. They’ll also have the chance to attend a College Services Fair, an Academic Program Showcase presented by faculty, and a campus tour led by Student Admissions Ambassadors.

Demos and hands-on experiences will also be featured, including art portfolio reviews, a digital media lab and podcast studio tour, a music-making session, a nursing simulation, a robotics lab demo, and more.

Prospective students will also receive guidance from our Enrollment & Success Center Team and other Student Services professionals through the Admissions process, an overview of SUNY Ulster scholarships, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and other important foundational resources to ensure student success.

In addition to the above activities, accepted students beginning their studies in the Fall 2025 semester will also attend special sessions designed to help students prepare and transition to college. They will also have the opportunity to schedule appointments with an advisor for a later date.

Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome for this event. Those who reserve their spot in advance will receive an individualized schedule for the day’s planned activities tailored to their interests and educational goals. A brunch buffet will be available at our college services fair and all guests will receive a discount on SUNY Ulster Spirit Wear in the campus bookstore.

To reserve your spot, visit sunyulster.edu/visit. For more information, please contact SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment & Success Center at admissions@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5022.

 

#   #    #

Instant Admissions Week April 14 – 18

by
Press Release with students

SUNY Ulster Hosting Instant Admissions Week April 14 – 18

A Quick and Easy Way to Go From Application to Accepted & Enrolled on the Spot

 

April 2, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is hosting Instant Admissions Week from April 14-18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where prospective students can apply, test, and register for the Fall 2025 semester—all in one day with assistance from Enrollment and Success Counselors. For anyone interested in attending SUNY Ulster in Fall 2025 this is a good opportunity to benefit from the hands-on experience of admissions representatives and others who can answer questions.

Attendees should bring their official, sealed high school transcript, original GED certificate or original IHIP Letter of Substantial Equivalency, and any official college transcript (if applicable). Participants will be guided through the entire process by admissions counselors. Financial aid reps will also be on hand to assist with the financial aid process.

Please note that most Ulster County High Schools will be closed for Spring Break during our Instant Admissions Week. Those planning to participate in Instant Admissions Week during April 14-18 are encouraged to plan ahead by ordering their official high school transcripts in advance. Participants can also order any official college transcripts in advance through their former college’s Registrar’s office. SUNY Ulster accepts official college transcripts electronically through Parchment and/or National Clearinghouse.

SUNY Ulster offers students over 60 academic programs that lead to either transfer to a four-year college or entry into the job market. To best help students afford college, the Ulster Community College Foundation awards $1 million in scholarships annually to entering, continuing, and transferring students.

Reservations for an Instant Admissions appointment are preferred but not required. REGISTER NOW!

For more information, contact the Enrollment & Success Center at esc@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

# # #

SUNY Ulster Athletics Scores New Golf and Women’s Basketball Coaches

by

March 10, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster and Athletics Director, Ryan Snair, announce Vinnie Manginelli as its new golf coach and Omar Morales as the new women’s basketball coach.

Vinnie Manginelli is a PGA of America Golf Professional and has coached the SUNY Ulster men’s and women’s golf team since 2016. He is a writer and editor for PGA Magazine, managing content for five of its digital publications. With more than two decades of golf coaching and instruction under his belt, Coach Manginelli looks forward to growing the SUNY Ulster golf program after several recent individual player and team successes. He holds a Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and is a member of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association.

 Omar Morales is a passionate basketball coach at SUNY Ulster, where he brings years of experience as both a player and coach to inspire the next generation of student athletes. A lifelong basketball player, he previously coached the women’s team at SUNY Ulster and was named 2019-20 Region XV Coach of the Year. In addition to his role as Head Basketball Coach at Ulster he currently serves as the Varsity Boys Basketball Assistant Coach at New Paltz High School. A proud Hudson Valley native, Omar attended SUNY Ulster where he played basketball and baseball, later transferring to finish his academic studies at SUNY New Paltz. Coaching at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels has helped deepen his connection to the local community. He prides himself on developing relationships and connections with his players, helping to mentor and coach them as individuals, students, and as athletes. Outside of coaching, he enjoys playing a variety of sports and cherishes time with his four children.

 The golf team will begin practicing indoors soon with the first match taking place in April 2025. The women’s basketball season runs from October through March.                                                                     

   #  #  #

Golf Guys
Vinnie Manginelli (left) Omar Morales (right)