PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
DR. BRIAN M. DURANT
A message from Cayuga Community College President Dr. Brian Durant
A new year is always an exciting time, particularly on a college campus. It’s an opportunity for each of us, employees and students, to rededicate ourselves to our respective missions. As educators, it’s a chance to renew our commitment to the success of our students. And for our students, it’s a moment to realize that they’re one step closer to completing their academic or career journey at Cayuga.
It’s also a perfect time to look ahead at what lies in front of us. Commencement, and with it all the recognition that comes for our graduates, is just a semester away. Successful careers for our students await after that celebration. Or, for those students who are eager to continue their academic efforts, one of our seamless transfer pathways will lead them to a baccalaureate program and new challenges. We believe in the promise of our students, regardless of what path they decide to follow.
This spring, Cayuga is on the cusp of several exciting developments in Auburn and Fulton. In January we’re opening the Workforce Development Center in Auburn. Located on Grant Avenue, just a short five-minute drive from our campus, the Center will serve as a one-stop location where our students and members of the community can access the services they need to begin, advance or resume their career. This will house our Office of Community Education and Workforce Development, as well as other employment agencies. We’re excited about the impact the Center will have on our local workforce, and we’re looking forward to seeing that workforce excel in our regional industries.
Later this semester we’re cutting the ribbon on the Oswego County Law Enforcement Academy on our Fulton Campus. Developed with strong support from Oswego County and law enforcement agencies in our region, the Academy supports the needs of our community while also building a bridge for our students to access additional training and strengthen their career prospects. This new facility ties-in well with the updated Criminal Justice AS program we started in the fall, and we’re optimistic our students will find the Academy an excellent resource for their chosen career path.
A word for our students: whether you’re graduating this semester or your time at Cayuga is just beginning, I encourage you to capitalize on your time with us. College is such a unique time in the life of a student, and it ends too quickly. While you’re here, join a club or organization or create a new one, participate in Student Government, make new friends, develop new passions, or challenge yourself in a new way. These are the foundation of a successful and memorable college experience.
I wish you an enjoyable, successful Spring semester. I look forward to hearing more stories of your hard work and your success in the weeks and months ahead.
The ninth president in the history of Cayuga Community College, Dr. Brian Durant previously served at SUNY Adirondack as vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and dean for Student Affairs. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master of Science in education from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Dr. Durant completed his doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University. He was officially named the president at Cayuga Community College in August 2015.