In a series wrapping up next week, the Daily Sentinel, in partnership with the Genesis Group, has published articles written by area elected officials and business and community leaders. In addition to the Sentinel’s Editorial Page, the articles are appearing in the Genesis Group’s weekly newsletters and social media pages.

I am very happy to report that the Herkimer County Community College campus is once again a fully open and vibrant community. We have returned to offering a full schedule of activities, events and athletic contests. It has been truly energizing and heartwarming to experience a renewed energy and sense of community on our campus.

This past year, we welcomed back several beloved community events to campus. We celebrated Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display, welcomed over 2,000 visitors to the 44th Herkimer County Arts and Crafts Fair, and hosted the acclaimed Irish ensemble, Danú, for a glorious performance of An Emerald Isle Christmas. 

Herkimer College has continued to develop new in-demand programs critical to filling needs in the local workforce – most recent examples include an Emergency Management certificate program and a Supply Chain Management micro-credential program. In partnership with other colleges in the region, Herkimer received a National Science Foundation grant to offer an LSAMP program, focusing on underrepresented minority students in STEM degree programs. Herkimer also was selected for the Second Chance Pell award program, expanding access to Federal Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals, resulting in an increased capacity for students enrolled in our College-in-Prison program at Mohawk and Mid-State correctional facilities. 

A key aspect of our mission is to provide an affordable, accessible higher education, and to further that mission, the College has kept its in-state tuition rate level from last year.

We acknowledge the continuing financial hardships faced by many students and their families due to the pandemic and exacerbated by the current inflationary situation.

This tuition modification is one way we can demonstrate our commitment as well as remain competitive with other colleges. 

I am especially proud that, after many months of research, surveys, meetings, and drafts, a new five-year institutional strategic plan, Building on our Legacy; Investing in the Future, has been released.

The new plan is a road map for the various campus master plans and operational plans, and is focused on providing relevant, flexible, and just-in-time programs and services to meet the changing needs of both traditional and adult students.

Our vision for Herkimer College is progressive, and I believe it provides the institution with the inspiration and adaptability for an exciting future. 

This is truly an exciting time in upstate New York. The influx of new investment in our region is an opportunity for all of us, regardless of what county or community we live and work in.

With the growth in technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare industries, so is the need for a trained workforce. Herkimer College is ready. 

With that, I wish you all a very happy holiday season, and peace and prosperity in the new year.