When James Sunser, Ed.D, starts his new job in August it will be with a sense of purpose and a lifetime of experience in community college.
Sunser replaces Stuart Steiner, Ed.D, as president of Genesee Community College in August.
Sunser told WBTA's Geoff Redick that his passion for education was instilled in him by his parents.
"Our parents ingrained in us from an early age that getting an education is really a big part of the American dream," Sunser said. "I was a first-generation college student. My sisters and I were the first generation in our family to go."
Sunser says that experience alone was enough to push him to work in education for the rest of his life, and see other people live that dream.
"It's very natural for me to be in (education)," he says.
Steiner is retiring after 36 years of leading GCC, taking it from what he's said was sometimes referred to as a "high school with ashtrays" to one of the most prestigious community colleges in New York, if not the nation.
"GCC really has an outstanding reputation in all the SUNY system -- and nationally, too," says Sunser. "Dr. Stuart Steiner, the board of trustees, the whole faculty and staff and administrative team...they're really among the best that I've ever had the chance to come across."
Sunser also praised Steiner
"He is absolutely an icon in SUNY," Sunser said. "What he's done has been fantastic."
The newly selected president has spent the past 23 years at Onondaga Community College, ascending to the position of Vice President for Continued & Extended Learning in 2004.
During that time, he oversaw the the construction of the Whitney Applied Technology Center, the addition of residence halls for 600 students, the creation of a Center for Workforce Development, and the development of new degree programs in Nuclear Technology, Sustainability, and Overhead Lineman Studies.
For the full interview, click here.
