SUNY Sullivan Announces Up to 15 Staff Layoffs Amid Financial Sustainability Plan

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY— SUNY Sullivan will reduce up to 15 full-time positions as part of a new Framework for Financial Sustainability aimed at securing the college’s long-term fiscal stability, officials announced Tuesday. College President Dr. David Potash emphasized that no academic programs will be cut and all enrolled students will retain clear paths to their degrees.

“It is an extraordinarily difficult and painful decision,” said Dr. Potash. “My colleagues at the College are dedicated mission-driven professionals who have given real service to our students and our community. I am deeply grateful for their contributions. These reductions are not a reflection of their value — they are the consequences of the financial realities facing many small public colleges across New York and the nation. We are acting now, with care and with urgency, because we are committed to ensuring that SUNY Sullivan is here for this community for generations to come.”

The decision comes after a review of the college’s finances, enrollment trends, and operational priorities. Like many small public colleges, SUNY Sullivan has faced rising operating costs, demographic shifts, and constrained state funding.

Despite the staffing changes, the college said enrollment has increased in recent years, particularly in healthcare programs: Nursing (+40%), Medical Assistant (+60%), and Respiratory Care (+70%). Programs such as SUNY Reconnect and College in the High School continue to expand access for adult learners and local high school students, while workforce training programs address urgent healthcare shortages in Sullivan County.

“We are seeing genuine progress in our efforts to expand access and grow enrollment,” said Dr. Potash. “The adults returning to school through Reconnect, the high school students earning college credits in their own communities, the men and women training to become nurses and first responders — these are the students SUNY Sullivan exists to serve. This restructuring is about ensuring we can serve them well, now and for decades to come.”

The college says its strategic planning process, which draws on input from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members, will guide future decisions and ensure resources are directed toward programs that best serve students and the region.

Community members can participate in the planning process at sunysullivan.edu/strategic-planning or contact the Office of the President at presidentsoffice@sunysullivan.edu

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