Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro shared his excitement as he kicked off the 2026-27 school year with his opening address. He shared college updates and laid out plans for the future of the college.
“When I arrived in 2022, we were either heading forward or we were going to fall backward,” stated Mauro. “We had good people who had hope and a willingness to do the things to get us to our mission to be the premier regional college of technology in New York. We have done such magnificent work in such a brief time, I am excited to begin strategic planning for the next four years following the conclusion of the current plan in 2027.”
Mauro highlighted the progress that has been made in the three areas of the current strategic plan: attracting new students, strengthening academic and student success, and cultivating a caring community.
He reported that applications continue to rise, that the anticipated incoming class could number over 1,500 students, and that total enrollment could be the highest since the 1980’s. He also highlighted increased scholarship support, higher out-of-state enrollment, expanded academic programs and pathways, and elevated opportunities in intercollegiate and club sports.
An increase in advising and coaching hours was highlighted in the college’s efforts to strengthen academic success. He shared improvements made in retention and applauded students as 28% of them earned Dean’s List honors last semester.
He pointed out the significance and importance of the caring community that faculty and staff provide and attributed the college’s current success and future growth to it.
The President also praised SUNY and New York State for their ongoing support of the SUNY Reconnect and ASAP/ACE programs, which Alfred State will participate in starting this year. These programs open new opportunities for adult learners and student populations that will benefit from additional academic, personal, and financial support. He also highlighted opportunities to expand transfer programs and workforce and industry training.
After introducing the newest members of the Alfred State faculty and staff, Mauro shifted his focus to the future and the college’s new strategic plan. A steering committee has been formed, and development of the new four-year plan is underway. The plan will be finalized and set into motion starting in the 2027-28 school year.
Other highlights of the opening address included recognition of William Dean on his recent SUNY Distinguished Professor Honor and positive updates on the college’s Unleashing Potential comprehensive fundraising campaign.
Students return to campus next week, with the first day of classes for the 2026 Fall semester starting on Monday, August 31.