SUNY chancellor visits Co-Greene to promote free tuition for adult learners
Published on:
January 8, 2026
State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King, Jr. with Columbia-Greene Community College President Dr. Victoria L. Walsh. Photo contributed.
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HUDSON―State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King, Jr. visited Columbia-Greene Community College on Thursday to kick off the spring semester part of the SUNY Reconnect Tour.
King has been visiting SUNY community colleges throughout the state to promote New York’s free community college program for adult learners, which officially began at the start of Fall 2025 classes.
Under the SUNY Reconnect initiative, New York State is providing free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25-55 who don’t already have a college degree and want to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.
"Community colleges like Columbia-Greene Community College are providing students with a high-quality, well-rounded education, so they can pursue the career of their dreams and support New York State’s economy,” said King.
“I applaud Columbia-Greene Community college for its outstanding course offerings, and support of adult learners pursuing a degree through SUNY Reconnect,” he added.
During his visit, King highlighted Columbia-Greene’s Nursing Program, which is eligible for SUNY Reconnect. The college’s Nursing Simulation Center, which will formally open this spring, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including animatronic patients of all ages, which provide students with simulated experiences before entering the clinical setting.
"Columbia-Greene is hitting the ground running for the spring 2026 semester, and we are thrilled to host Chancellor King as he kicks off the spring semester of the statewide SUNY Reconnect Tour,” said Columbia-Greene Community College President Dr. Victoria L. Walsh.
“Our students are taking advantage of Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect program for adult learners, and our school is working to ensure everyone taking courses is given the education and skillset they will need to thrive in the workplace,” Walsh added.
Among those joining King on the tour at Columbia-Greene was State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-Saugerties).
"SUNY Reconnect is a door to opportunity at our community colleges that’s allowing New Yorkers to train for high-demand careers like nursing without the stress of tuition costs,” Hinchey said.
“I was thrilled to help champion this incredible workforce investment and to welcome SUNY Chancellor King to Columbia-Greene Community College, where students are gaining the skills they need to enter family-sustaining careers,” she added.
To learn more about SUNY Reconnect degree programs available at Columbia-Greene Community College and apply for the Spring 2026 semester,visit https://www.columbiagreene.edu/suny-reconnect/.
