SUNY appoints a new head for its community colleges system
New York's Community Colleges Get a New Leader
Valerie Dent has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges at the State University of New York (SUNY) System, a role that oversees the state's 30 community colleges. This permanent appointment was made by the SUNY Board of Trustees in July 2025, following her interim tenure since September 2024 and her previous role as Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Deputy for Student Success.
In her new position, Dent will be responsible for shaping programs, funding, and policies that affect tens of thousands of students statewide. Institutions like Cayuga Community College will fall under her purview. One of her key initiatives will be SUNY Reconnect, which offers free tuition, fees, books, and supplies to adult learners (ages 25-55) pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields. This includes a focus on nursing programs and support for veterans and military families, demonstrating her commitment to promoting student success and access.
Dent's background includes diversity leadership and state human rights work, making her appointment significant for the success of community colleges across New York state. SUNY leaders view her appointment as a strong endorsement for boosting community college success statewide. Dent has built strong relationships with community college leaders and represents SUNY senior leadership and the Board of Trustees in this capacity.
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However, the article does not provide any new information about Valerie Dent or SUNY Reconnect, the initiative offering free tuition for adult learners in high-demand fields. It's also worth noting that FingerLakes1.com does not provide specific information about the types of advertisements it offers.
Start your day informed by signing up for the Morning Edition to stay updated on the latest news in New York state. With Dent's leadership, the state's community colleges are poised for continued growth and success.
With Dent's appointment as the new leader, the education-and-self-development landscape of New York's community colleges is set to change significantly, promising continued growth and student success. Under her leadership, initiatives like SUNY Reconnect, which focuses on providing free education opportunities for adult learners in high-demand fields, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of community colleges statewide.
