By Stefan Yablonski
Brian M. Durant, president of Cayuga Community College, sees another great year ahead for building on the success of 2025.
Since its announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Cayuga has fully supported the SUNY Reconnect program.
This program has provided the inspiration and encouragement for adults 25-55 to enroll in college across the state and Cayuga is no exception with more than 100 students enrolled in the program, he explained.
“We have eligible adult learners progressing toward earning a career-focused degree, which is tremendous not only for them but also for the potential long-term impact on our region’s workforce,” he said. “Cayuga already offers one of the best RN AAS programs in New York, but this semester we welcomed our inaugural Spring Nursing Cohort. This new fast-track pathway allows students to earn their AAS degree in the spring 2027 semester, thereby helping meet the rising demand for expertly trained healthcare personnel.”
Any challenges ahead?
“There are always challenges facing higher education. I’m sure 2026 will be no exception,” he said. “One of our primary focus points, though, is helping our students overcome challenges to earn their degree. To do that, we have excellent faculty and essential support services such as our Advancing Success in Associate Pathways Program and Educational Opportunity Program. We have dedicated academic coaches, free tutoring and a new academic coach specifically focused on adult learners, plus mental health and wellness services to support students’ needs outside of the classroom.”
Durant said he expects 2026 will be another excellent year at Cayuga.
“We will continue building on the momentum of our SUNY Reconnect program through marketing opportunities and enhancing our partnerships with other businesses and institutions who serve adults. These partnerships tie into many of the career fields included in SUNY Reconnect: healthcare, advanced manufacturing, education, computer science, information technology and more,” he said. “We’re also continuing to focus on our strategic priorities, including improving success outcomes for our students so that they are in the best possible position to start their career or transfer after graduating from Cayuga.”
In 2025, Cayuga’s accreditation was reaffirmed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This essential step, completed every eight years, includes a comprehensive review of all college offices and operations. It confirms institutional accountability, self-review, innovation and continuous improvement. Cayuga’s next evaluation is scheduled for the 2032-33 academic year.
“Over the past year, Cayuga has opened several premier facilities designed to support our area workforce. At our Fulton Campus, in coordination with Oswego County, we opened the Oswego County Law Enforcement Academy. This will not only support area law enforcement agencies but will also connect students in our criminal justice program to vital training and potential employers,” he said. “In Auburn, we opened the Workforce Development Center, a one-stop where people can access diverse employment and training services.”
