Empowering New York: Empire State University’s Bold Academic Expansion

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — June 25, 2025) With the recent fluctuations in the landscape of higher education, it is rare to see universities implementing expansive strategies with as much vigor as Empire State University is. This fall alone, nine new academic programs are launching, ranging from microcredentials to advanced degrees. At the heart of the process behind implementing new programs is Brian Goodale, director of academic programs and partnerships at Empire State University.

Goodale, who has been with the university for 18 years, holds a crucial role in fleshing out new offerings ideated by Empire State University faculty members. “I’m the shepherd, advisor, and consultant for academic program proposals,” he says. One of Goodale’s functions is to watch over a program from inception to final approval by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and ensure that it aligns with the university’s strategic goals. The program must also be carefully planned out to inhabit a niche that other programs do not, and must undergo an extensive vetting process, which Goodale also oversees.

“This is a high priority for us,” Goodale says. “We’re aligning closely with our strategic plan and positioning ourselves for long-term success.” Since 2024, the university has developed and launched 20 new programs, with several others pending approval. New offerings target areas such as digital media arts, organizational psychology, and health care analytics, among others.

Goodale mentions that Empire State University employees can access the internal dashboard detailing which new programs are moving through the approval process, which shows real-time updates. “The more people use it, the better,” says Goodale, explaining that this tool will help keep employees informed and engaged with the university’s projects.

The purpose of driving forth new programs is not only to expand the quantity of offerings, but to target areas of need in New York state’s workforce and boost upward mobility.  In launching new programs, the university also strengthens community college and industry partnerships that support student goals and serve the state’s economic development mission. “We’re being very thoughtful and intentional,” Goodale said. “This is exactly what [the] SUNY [system], and the governor want to see.”

Relevant to the many Spanish speakers throughout the state is the university’s new Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program taught in Spanish, which provides a thorough business administration curriculum delivered in the Spanish language. Luis Camacho, assistant professor at the School of Business, comments, “We worked hard in order to identify the highest-level faculty in Latin America from different higher institutions… we have faculty from Chile, Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.”  

The program’s approval by NYSED emphasizes its significance and potential to serve the substantial population of Spanish speakers in the region by removing the language barrier. Regarding the Spanish BBA’s approval process, Camacho explains: “… we needed to develop at least 40–45 courses in order to be prepared for the student population demand.”

With its active pursuit of education for all, Empire State University sets an example of how higher education institutions can strive to serve the needs of diverse communities. Broadening access to education and professional opportunities for New York state residents and beyond remains at the core of the university’s mission—at a time where higher education seems to shrink, Empire State University is determined to stand tall and support learners.