Officials from SUNY Ulster and Ulster County are set to convene in the coming weeks to discuss the future direction of the community college. Deputy Ulster County Executive Jamie Capuano announced that the appointments for the 11-member “Reimagining SUNY Ulster Committee” are expected to be finalized by the end of this week, with meetings commencing shortly thereafter.
The committee will consist of five appointees from the county executive, five from the college community, along with Marbletown Supervisor Richard Parete. County Executive Jen Metzger has tasked the committee with recommending strategies to optimize underutilized college spaces while enhancing educational and workforce development opportunities at both the main campus in Stone Ridge and the satellite campus in Kingston.
In her budget address for 2026, Metzger revealed plans to place a hold on over $115 million in proposed capital projects for the college and emphasized the need to “reimagine” the campus. It is important to note that this funding freeze does not encompass approximately $38 million earmarked for renovations to the college’s 32,000-square-foot gymnasium.
According to Metzger, declining enrollment and a shift toward remote learning have resulted in much of the space at the Stone Ridge campus being either unused or underutilized. Capuano, who will lead the committee, clarified that discussions will not include the closure of either campus or staffing cuts. She expressed confidence that no buildings will be shuttered as part of the committee’s recommendations.
“The committee is going to have hard discussions about campus use and what’s the best use of taxpayer dollars,” Capuano stated. Among the potential options for consideration are the expansion of the children’s center, community engagement for the campus theater, and improved utilization of the gymnasium and sports fields. Furthermore, the committee will explore opportunities to enhance the campus cafeteria facilities.
Assistant Deputy County Executive Amberly Campbell emphasized the importance of examining various needs, stating, “The idea is to look at the space needs, enrollment, community needs, and job sector needs to see what can be done to make it a place for the whole community.”
Capuano mentioned that County Executive Metzger aims for the committee to complete its deliberations within three months, underscoring the urgency of the task at hand. As the committee begins its work, stakeholders are keenly awaiting recommendations that could shape the future of SUNY Ulster and its role within the community.
