Retiring SUNY Adk. president praised

QUEENSBURY | SUNY Adirondack President Kristine Duffy was hailed by Warren County officials 10 days before her retirement on June 30 for her various accomplishments and innovations during her 12 years leading the community college. At the Warren County Board of Supervisors' June 20 meeting, board chairman Kevin Geraghty expressed appreciation, on behalf of all the county supervisors, for her leadership. "I extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kristine Duffy for outstanding leadership and lasting contributions as president," Gerraghty said. "Over the past 12 yrs, Dr. Duffy has been a champion for the students, for innovation, for regional partnering, helping expand access to higher education through the (college's) Saratoga campus, opened new doors for local students through the Saratoga campus and by establlshing four-year degree pathways with SUNY Plattsburgh." Geraghty said her work at the college extended beyond the students and their futures, but had a positive influence on the area's culture, economy, and prosperity. "Her commitment to workforce development, academic excellence and community collaboration has had a direct and lasting impact on Warren County and the greater Capital Region," he said. "We are grateful for her service and wish her well." After Duffy was presented with a U.S. flag and a certificate of appreciation by county Administrator John Taflan, she expressed her thoughts on the county supervisors' relationship with the college. "Over the years, I've come to admire the dedication, the questions — some tough, but important — and most of all the belief you've shown in the mission and direction of SUNY Adirondack," she said. Duffy said that she and her husband John intend to continue to reside in the county because of the area's amenities, and she requested that the county supervisors "offer the same open-minded support and partnership" to her successor. "The college's future, like our communities', is strongest when we work together," she said. The supervisors responded with a standing ovation. Duffy, the college's second-longest serving president, was known for her bond with students and her vision to expand programs, raise educational standards, and collaborate well with community leaders. During her tenure, she was pivotal in securing about $50 million in grant funding to enhance teaching and learning, college infrastructure, support services, and programs. Her work expanded and enhanced the college's nursing, science, athletic curriculum and facilities, and boosted student services. Educational officials have praised Duffy for her impact on the college. During her tenure, SUNY Adirondack experienced increased graduation rates, gained racial and ethnic diversity in its enrollment, and inspired students to attain higher educational achievement. She has also developed partnerships with the area's public schools and businesses to enhance the career opportunities for SUNY Adirondack graduates. Also, she led the college officials in their effort to achieve branch campus status for its center in Saratoga County, and the initiative to establish the college's state-of-the-art culinary center and student-run restaurant in downtown Glens Falls. During her tenure, about 90,000 square feet of educational facilities were constructed or renovated. She has served on two economic development councils and on the board of directors of various leading area businesses and community organizations. Also, she has served on the Rural Community College Alliance and is past president of the New York State Community College Association of Presidents. Duffy's successor, Anastasia L. Urtz, has more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education. Most recently, Urtz was provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Onondaga Community College, an institution she has served since 2010 in executive roles. Previously, she was CEO of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. She also held multiple roles in Student Affairs at Syracuse University.

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Retiring SUNY Adk. president praised

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