Empire State University’s Most Notable Moments of 2025 

This year marked SUNY Empire’s fourth consecutive year of enrollment increases, the launch of many programs and initiatives designed to remove barriers to education for students, and expanded academic offerings. Read more about some of our best moments of 2025 below.  

January 

Empire State University launched the Spanish BBA program, SUNY’s first Spanish-language online degree program.  

February 

OAA and ITS collaborated to launch the Student Chromebook Pilot Initiative, which helped 912 eligible students gain affordable access to technology critical to their academic success this year.  

March 

Our Associate Degree Initiative launched, awarding a valuable credential to eligible bachelor’s degree-seeking students to help them advance their personal and professional goals. 

April 

Thanks to the Textbook Affordability Initiative, textbook costs for students were reduced by $5 million.  

May 

The inaugural Doctor of Education program graduated its first cohort. 

June 

Nine new academic programs were announced for the fall semester, giving students access to a wider range of academic offerings.  

July 

As part of a strategic restructuring, five new colleges launched: 

• The College of Arts and Sciences, led by Dean Ju Kim 

• The College of Business, led by Dean Julie Gedro 

• The College of Education, led by Dean Kjersti VanSlyke-Briggs   

• The College of Health and Human Services, led by Dean Carol DeNysschen 

• The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, led by Dean Gina Torino 

August 

Eight Empire State University nursing students received SUNY’s inaugural Healthcare Educator Scholarship, out of 12 total recipients SUNY-wide.  

September 

Empire State University’s enrollment increased for the fourth year in a row, with new student enrollment increasing by 12% and overall student enrollment increasing by 9%. 

October 

A significant expansion of the military grant program was announced, extending education benefits to undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans. 

November 

The virtual food pantry filled a critical need for students during the SNAP benefit shortage, with the Student Government Association allocating an additional $35K in funding to support the student body.  

December 

The Empire State University Foundation acquired Clarke House, a historic 1832 Greek Revival property located in Saratoga Springs, to serve as a venue for donor cultivation, alumni gatherings, community engagement.