Sanborn, N.Y.—SUNY Niagara has appointed Alissa Shugats Cummings vice president of student services. Cummings had served as an interim in that post since July 2023.

An alumna of SUNY Niagara, Cummings has held various positions there over the course of more than 20 years. As vice president, she leads the college’s efforts in enhancing students’ experiences, administering admissions, financial aid, intercollegiate athletics and several other functions.

“I am enthusiastic about continuing my legacy of student-centeredness in this role,” Cummings said. “As a SUNY Niagara graduate myself, I know first-hand that we have enormous capacity for changing lives, and am committed to providing necessary support to students however and whenever they need it. I take great pride in leading the Student Services team in improving the student experience and supporting the college’s mission.”

SUNY Niagara President William Murabito said Cummings has brought to the position a deep understanding of the supports that help students succeed.

“Alissa has been a key member of SUNY Niagara’s leadership team,” Murabito said. “Her expertise in recruitment practices, retention and student wellness have contributed to the college’s recent gains in enrollment. I know she will
continue to be an asset in this important role.”

Besides earning an associate degree at SUNY Niagara, Cummings holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and bachelor’s degrees in English and linguistics. She currently is pursuing a doctorate at the University at Buffalo.

Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara celebrates two outstanding students, Kaitlyn Goss and Brooke Wells, named recipients of the 2024 Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence (CASE). Goss and Wells were honored at an awards ceremony in Albany on April 11 hosted by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.

The CASE is SUNY’s highest honor for academic excellence and leadership. It recognizes students for outstanding achievements throughout their SUNY experience in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement,
community service and the arts. Goss enrolled at SUNY Niagara in the fall of 2021 and will graduate this May with
an associate degree in radiologic technology. She currently holds a 3.68 GPA and identifies as a woman over 30 returning to school to make a difference in the lives of others.

Wells will graduate from SUNY Niagara this May with an associate degree in nursing. Upon graduation, she will be employed at Rochester General Hospital in the nurse residency program for emergency nursing. She has plans to further her education by enrolling in a SUNY bachelor’s degree program in the next year. Obtaining a degree is a major accomplishment as she will become the first member of her family to do so.

“I am absolutely thrilled to congratulate Kaitlyn and Brooke on receiving this prestigious award. They represent the best of SUNY Niagara through their dedication to academic, personal and professional growth,” said SUNY Niagara
President Dr. William J. Murabito.

Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara sits at number 10 in Nursingprocess.org’s ranking of New York’s best associate degrees in nursing. Nursingprocess.org is an online resource helping students navigate nursing education and career pathways.

Nursingprocess.org considers factors such as the program’s academic quality, National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate and affordability to create their rankings. They specifically cited SUNY Niagara’s NCLEX-RN pass rate, graduation rate and the availability of local clinical experience as reasons for their top-10 ranking.

“This ranking is a testament to our phenomenal faculty who are passionate about nursing and delivering the best possible education to our students,” said SUNY Niagara Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia. “The SUNY Niagara nursing program ensures our students enter the dynamic field of healthcare with the tools needed to succeed from day one.”

SUNY Niagara’s nursing program boasted a 94.94 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023. The program’s 2023 National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) pass rate was 87.50 percent. For more information on the nursing, physical and allied health division at SUNY Niagara, please visit:

Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara student Kaytelynn Alsup has been selected as a recipient of the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence. Alsup will be recognized at the fifth annual recognition ceremony on April 18 in Troy, New York.

The Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award is the highest SUNY honor for EOP students. The award recognizes EOP students who have shown positive academic trajectories despite challenges faced during their academic careers.

The SUNY EOP provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who are historically underserved or underrepresented. SUNY Niagara currently has 37 students enrolled in EOP.

“The EOP at SUNY Niagara is dedicated to helping students in the face of challenges to achieve academic excellence,” said SUNY Niagara EOP Director Angela Jackson. “Kaytelynn exemplifies the spirit of the EOP program. This award is a testament to her dedication to her own academic prowess and commitment to SUNY Niagara.”

Alsup will be honored alongside 52 other EOP students at the awards ceremony on April 18. For more information on the EOP at SUNY Niagara please visit: /eop/

April 10, 2024

Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara is pleased to announce the promotion of 10 faculty members:

��Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

• Bridget Beilein, assistant to associate professor

• Joseph Schmidt, associate to professor

��Business and STEM

• Melissa Moore, instructor to assistant professor

• Demetrius Sarigiannis, assistant to associate professor

��Hospitality, Baking and Culinary Arts

• Daniel DiPirro, instructor to assistant professor

• Nate Koscielski, assistant to associate professor

• Benjamin Loomis, instructor to assistant professor

• John Pope, instructor to assistant professor

• Seana Sullivan, instructor to assistant professor

��Nursing, Physical and Allied Health

• Kareen Klettke, assistant to associate professor

��In addition to being promoted, Sarigiannias, DiPirro, Loomis and Pope have all been granted tenure.

��“SUNY Niagara has a tremendous faculty group working to enrich the lives of our students, day in and day out,” said SUNY Niagara President Dr. William J. Murabito. “Receiving these honors will affirm their dedication to providing the best education possible for our students.”

April 10, 2024

Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara is pleased to announce the launch of its new electronics technology program for the fall 2024 semester. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the field of electronics with courses curated to target skill sets used by modern electrical technicians.

“SUNY Niagara prides itself in providing education within growing fields of study,” said SUNY Niagara Vice President of Academic Affairs Lydia Ulatowski. “By adding electronics technology to our already strong program offerings, we are making a commitment to evolving with the ever-changing needs of our students.”

The curriculum of the electronics technology program will cover a broad range of topics, such as:

• analyzing electrical circuit diagrams and systems.
• constructing electrical circuits from schematic diagrams.
• analyzing, testing and diagnosing faults using the appropriate measurement techniques and adjust the equipment.
• designing electrical circuits and systems from given data and specifications.
• understanding an applied knowledge of electrical theory and electronic components including programmable devices to perform equipment installation, test, and evaluation.

More information on the electronics technology program will be made available at: /programs