SUNY Chancellor Zimpher Visits HCCC 
August 31, 2009
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher visited Herkimer County Community College today. Zimpher began her tenure on June 1, 2009 as the 12th chancellor of SUNY. Her visit to HCCC was part of a summer tour of the 64 SUNY campuses in which she is meeting with and learning from students, faculty, administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders on the future of New York’s public higher education system. The summer tour is Zimpher’s first step in a collaborative process to create a strategic plan for the SUNY system.
While at HCCC, Zimpher met with business and community leaders, as well as college administrators, faculty, staff and students to learn about academic programs and services at HCCC, the community’s needs and current issues and challenges facing community colleges. Zimpher made a stop at the Campus Meadows housing complex to experience first-hand the student move-in process, and visited with members of the HCCC Alumni Association as they distributed snacks and refreshments to students and their families. She also met with the 2009 men’s soccer team which presented the chancellor with a signed 2008 national championship game ball.
Referring to how HCCC might fit into the overall plans for the SUNY system, Zimpher said “I think there is great interest in Herkimer taking on a greater role in economic development.” HCCC President Ann Marie Murray noted the importance of the institution to the local economy. “Education is one of the greatest industries in Central New York. Our commitment to economic development is critical, especially in the Mohawk Valley, where the need is great.”