State Makes Historic Investment in SUNY Poly
Community stakeholders, local officials and SUNY Poly students, faculty and staff joined NYS Governor Kathy Hochul and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. in a packed Student Center MPR this past November, for a historic announcement. A $44 million State investment in our Colleges of Engineering and Health Sciences was announced.
“This investment is another massive step to building the best public education institution in the country and cementing New York’s leadership role in the manufacturing industry,” Governor Hochul said. “With these important investments, students can receive an affordable and quality education at SUNY, join New York’s growing manufacturing industry, and build a bright future for themselves and for New York State.”
The new investment, made possible through the SUNY Capital Construction Funds, State Budget and appropriations secured by State Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, will expand the current health science wing and update nursing labs in Donovan Hall, as well as create a semiconductor processing lab for workforce development, and a robotics and advanced manufacturing research and education lab.
“SUNY Poly is incredibly grateful for this investment in our institution, as well as the continued support and advocacy of Governor Kathy Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., Assemblywoman Buttenschon and all of our elected officials,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “At a time of tremendous growth in the Mohawk Valley, these capital infrastructure advancements, made by possible by this investment, will allow us to further serve our students, create additional pathways for collaboration with industry and community partners, in addition to continuing to meet the workforce development and upskilling needs of industry in New York State and beyond.”
Project specifics
- Health Science Wing Expansion: This project establishes the Center for Healthcare Innovation – a collaborative center to address the increasing mental health, physical health, and environmental health needs. The Center will facilitate entrepreneurial efforts in the health fields; promote multidisciplinary research, clinical practice, and program development; enhance applied learning opportunities for students; and cultivate community partnerships and initiatives.
- New Semiconductor Processing Lab: Companies such as Micron, Wolfspeed, Semikron-Danfoss, Indium Corporation, and Global Foundries are investing, building, and expanding, resulting in job creation and a corresponding need for more employees. The investment in and creation of this 3,000-square foot semiconductor processing lab will provide more students with a robust university education focused on STEM and semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development.
- Updates to Nursing Laboratories: This vital expansion, which will accommodate 12 clinical stations with manikins and up-to date simulators, will allow faculty in the College of Health Sciences to employ modern day equipment and simulations. Consequentially, students will be able to effectively develop the professional skills they need to become competent and effective health care providers.
- New Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Lab: This lab will enable both educational and research opportunities in areas that include advanced robotics, sensors and controls, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 initiatives as well as creating an integrated connection with SUNY Poly’s AI for All facility. The state-of-the-art facility will allow faculty to expand their activities in scholarship and sponsored research, and course modules within the curriculum, as well as provide for certificate and credit bearing micro-credentials for students. It will also provide continuing and professional education (CPE) opportunities for upskilling the workforce in the Mohawk Valley.
Leaders React
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “I am so thankful and honored to have been a part of securing this historic funding for SUNY Poly’s campus in the Mohawk Valley. I strongly believe in this institution and the incredible work they produce, and cannot wait to see how these investments will benefit them for years to come. I want to thank my colleagues in the legislature, along with Governor Hochul, for allowing me to push for this allocation, and believing in these efforts. These investments into SUNY Poly will ensure that it continues to be a top polytechnic university in the country, and I’m eager to see the growth that is achieved.”
SUNY Chancellor John King said, “This is a tremendous commitment by Governor Hochul to SUNY Poly and the Mohawk Valley. The funding will help re-establish New York State as a manufacturing hub by building a workforce pipeline, while preparing SUNY Poly students for success in manufacturing careers, including in the semiconductor field. It also expands our capacity to educate more healthcare professionals to meet increasing need, and helps establish SUNY Poly as the premier polytechnic institute in the country. My thanks to the Governor and our legislators for their comprehensive support.”
State Senator Joseph Griffo said, “SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a leader in learning, research and innovation and an important part of the Mohawk Valley. This investment in state funding will result in new construction with the expansion of existing buildings and additional resources and expanded opportunities on campus that will help to grow and enhance the college for years to come.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We have always known what an essential asset SUNY Poly is, to not just Oneida County, but to the entire region. That’s why we fought so hard it to maintain its status as the premier polytechnic institute in the Northeast and have continued to make investments in all of the areas it supports. Oneida County has become a hub for semiconductor processing and advanced manufacturing and this investment by New York State will greatly assist us down that successful path and also strengthen the future of healthcare.”