Albany, NY – November 17, 2023.
Governor Kathy Hochul joined the SUNY Polytechnic Institute community and SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. today to announce a $44 million State investment in the university, which will expand the current health science wing and update nursing labs in Donovan Hall, as well as create a semiconductor processing lab for workforce development, and a robotics and advanced manufacturing research and education lab. On a path to becoming the State and nation’s premier public polytechnic, this new investment continues SUNY Poly’s evolution as a leader in STEM and the health sciences.
“This investment is another massive step to building the best public education institution in the country and cementing New York’s leadership role in the manufacturing industry,” Governor Hochul said. “With these important investments, students can receive an affordable and quality education at SUNY, join New York’s growing manufacturing industry, and build a bright future for themselves and for New York State.”
The $44 million investment in SUNY Poly is made possible by the capital support SUNY received from the enacted State budget and will serve as a crucial step in establishing SUNY Poly as the premier polytechnic institute in the country. The breakdown for the $44 million is as follows:
- Health Science Wing Expansion: This project establishes the Center for Healthcare Innovation – a collaborative center to address the increasing mental health, physical health, and environmental health needs. The Center will facilitate entrepreneurial efforts in the health fields; promote multidisciplinary research, clinical practice, and program development; enhance applied learning opportunities for students; and cultivate community partnerships and initiatives.
- New Semiconductor Processing Lab: Companies such as Micron, Wolfspeed, Semikron-Danfoss, Indium Corporation, and Global Foundries are investing, building, and expanding, resulting in job creation and a corresponding need for more employees. The investment in and creation of this 3,000-square foot semiconductor processing lab will provide more students with a robust university education focused on STEM and semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development.
- Updates to Nursing Laboratories: This vital expansion, which will accommodate 12 clinical stations with manikins and up-to date simulators, will allow faculty in the College of Health Sciences to employ modern day equipment and simulations. Consequentially, students will be able to effectively develop the professional skills they need to become competent and effective health care providers.
- New Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Lab: This lab will enable both educational and research opportunities in areas that include advanced robotics, sensors and controls, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 initiatives as well as creating an integrated connection with SUNY Poly’s AI for All facility. The state-of-the-art facility will allow faculty to expand their activities in scholarship and sponsored research, and course modules within the curriculum, as well as provide for certificate and credit bearing micro-credentials for students. It will also provide continuing and professional education (CPE) opportunities for upskilling the workforce in the Mohawk Valley.
The funds were made possible through the State University of New York Capital Construction Funds, State Budget and appropriations secured by State Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon.
This new investment by the State builds on the $72-plus million in renovations already in development on SUNY Poly’s campus. Those improvements include $45 million in renovations to the Campus Center that will provide a new centrally located residential life suite, renovated athletic locker rooms, offices, meeting and classroom spaces, in addition to improved ADA accessibility and reduced carbon emissions; the reconstruction of Technology and Residential Drive ($5 million); and the renovation of Kunsela and Donovan Halls ($22 million) to further boost STEM programs. The latter will see the creation of the Francis A. Wilcox Engineering and Technology Wing in Kunsela Hall, in addition to a new STEM Writing and Communications Center and updated Interactive Media and Game Design (IMGD) Studio space.
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