Chancellor Zimpher's Anniversary Note to Colleagues

A Message from Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher to SUNY faculty and staff
June 1, 2010

 

Dear Colleagues:

 

One year ago today, I began my job as Chancellor of The State University of New York. What a journey it has been! From visiting every one of our campuses to meeting many of you throughout the strategic planning process, and even cultivating a "New York state of mind," I have learned a great deal in these 365 days.

 

Above all, I have learned that SUNY, while already providing access to an excellent education for New Yorkers and students from across the nation and around the globe, has truly astounding potential to do much, much more. It is this vast universe of possibility that makes this job both very challenging and incredibly exciting.

 

There's no question that we have many challenges before us. We have already put in tremendous effort to develop The Power of SUNY, our roadmap for the next five years and beyond. We will be working hard to bring those “Big Ideas” to life. And the backdrop of New York’s economic crisis has created a new set of hurdles. But with your talent, expertise and commitment, we have the capacity to navigate these challenges and serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization – and a better future for our communities.

 

I've said many times that The Power of SUNY is our roadmap and that the Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act is our license to drive. But you – the faculty and staff of this great university system – are the drivers behind the wheel. Every day, you do the work that makes it possible to provide a world-class education to our 465,000 students and to create economic opportunities across New York.

 

In the past year, we have come together as a united SUNY, eager to take on the world. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to lead these efforts, and as we travel down this path, I'm confident we will reach our goals. 

 

Together, we are The Power of SUNY!