Dear Siena Community,
It is my pleasure to share some more good news. During our April 5 community town hall, I highlighted the incredible potential we have to continue to shape a bright future for Siena College. I emphasized the necessity to move beyond our current status quo and seize opportunities for bold action. We are already making significant strides by transforming our operating model, strengthening our brand, and exploring the creation and acquisition of new, in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs. Today, I’m thrilled to announce another game-changing development:
Siena has acquired the Early Childhood/Childhood Education (birth - grade 6) Bachelor of Science program, as well as the Master of Science in Education program, from The College of St. Rose. Beyond the programs, three full-time faculty members from St. Rose will join the Siena faculty. Our Education Department was enthusiastically involved throughout the process and fully supportive of this endeavor.
Earlier this year, we made significant progress toward strengthening Siena’s position in the education space by assuming ownership of Clarkson’s Master of Arts in Teaching program. These programs, integrated with our esteemed Education Department, will position Siena as the regional leader in this field at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The College of St. Rose was a pillar of childhood education in our region, and its closure could have created a void in the market. I’m proud that we can honor their legacy while establishing our own reputation for excellence in educating the teachers of tomorrow.
As we approach an inevitable retirement cliff for teachers, there will be a vital need for a new generation of educators. Siena will not only be prepared to meet this market demand but, true to our mission, we will graduate leaders who are intent on making the world a better place by shining their light in classrooms across New York.
Join me in spreading this exciting news — the best teachers are Saints!
Peace and all good,
Chuck