SUNY Chancellor visits Tompkins Cortland Community College as part of SUNY Reconnect Tour

DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) — State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) today as part of the SUNY Reconnect Tour, which highlights New York’s new free community college program for adult learners, launching in fall 2025.

SUNY Reconnect, introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul, will offer free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for New Yorkers aged 25–55 who don’t yet hold a college degree and pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.

During his visit, Chancellor King spotlighted TC3’s Sustainable Farming and Food Systems program as an eligible degree path under SUNY Reconnect. The college is preparing to meet the needs of returning adult learners by offering flexible class schedules, including online and hybrid formats, as well as dedicated support services. These include academic advising tailored to adult students, an on-campus childcare center, and networking events.

“Community colleges like Tompkins Cortland provide life-changing upward mobility every day for New Yorkers,” said Chancellor King. “I am confident that with Governor Hochul’s free community college program for adult learners, even more New Yorkers will open new doors to academic and professional opportunities they’ve always dreamed of.”

TC3 President Amy Kremenek emphasized the program’s impact: “Chancellor King’s visit to TC3 highlights the significance of this historic initiative that addresses financial barriers to higher education, and we are delighted to welcome him to our campus. We have received tremendous interest in the SUNY Reconnect program since its approval as part of the New York State budget, with adults who previously thought college was out of reach now registering for classes and working on degrees to enhance their career prospects and potential lifetime earnings. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and the NYS Legislature for SUNY Reconnect and we’re excited for the many opportunities available to our students and the positive impact on families, our community, and our state.”

State Senator Lea Webb concluded, “This initiative is an investment in people, in local communities, and the future of New York State. Thank you to Chancellor King for supporting this program and visiting TC3 on his SUNY tour.”