SUNY Ulster: February 12, 2025: 13/30

#visit-number-thirteen-in-the-bag 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

I’ve driven around Ulster County more times than I can count—skirting its edges on the way to somewhere else, always passing by but never pausing long enough to take it in. That changed with my visit to SUNY Ulster. 

The night before my visit I stayed in the welcoming town of New Paltz before driving to Stone Ridge, home to SUNY Ulster. The drive was a study in contrast—rolling valleys, striking mountain views, and a rhythm that seemed to shift with each bend in the road. It was visually stunning and unexpectedly grounding.

Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by CGL Mark Stewart whom I had not yet met in person. Mark had thoughtfully prepared an itinerary that allowed for meaningful time with faculty leaders including FCCC Delegate Keri McArdle and Alternate Delegate Deb Silverman, and a faculty forum.

The visit began with a campus tour. I took two photos that I won’t soon forget— one is of the doors of the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery featuring intricate wood carvings that were so beautiful that I had trouble walking away. 

The second photo was taken in the library where two exercise bikes face enormous windows framing the county’s natural beauty. The concept—movement and mindfulness in one space—really resonated with me.

After the tour I was able to grab a quick bite with Keri and Deb before joining a meeting with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee and then engaging in an open forum with faculty. 

The themes I heard at Ulster echoed what faculty have shared with me across the state: while their passion for their disciplines and for student engagement remains steadfast, the faculty role has evolved dramatically over the past decade. An ever-expanding list of responsibilities—often outside the traditional scope of teaching and learning—has made it increasingly difficult to retain even the most dedicated educators. In the face of these growing pressures on faculty and institutions alike, the unwavering commitment of faculty leaders I meet—particularly to shared governance and academic excellence—continues to stand out. The faculty at Ulster are no exception. Their quiet, persistent dedication strengthens the campus in ways that may not always be visible but are absolutely essential. The community is fortunate to have such capable and principled educators at its core.

Although President Buckley was in Washington, D.C. advocating on behalf of community colleges (thank you, President Buckley, for your advocacy!), Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Candice VanDyke, generously made time to meet with me, which I deeply appreciated.

It was a meaningful and memorable visit, and I’m already looking forward to returning. I plan to hold Mark to a follow-up tour so he can show me the special parts of campus we didn’t have time to explore this time around.