Jim Sunser

Dr. Jim Sunser is settling in quickly as the new president of Genesee Community College.

Even though the president's office, vacated by Dr. Stuart Steiner upon his retirement, has no furniture yet (to paraphrase a line from M.A.S.H. -- it's a big giant empty), Sunser has found a place to live, at least one good local restaurant (he mentioned O'Lacy's) and is getting to know the staff and the campus.

"This is a beautiful part of the state," Sunser said. "We're really enjoying it and everybody’s been as nice as they can be. Even though I’m familiar with Western New York, at least I thought I was, I’m learning more about it every day."

Sunser and his wife, Roseann, who have relocated from the Syracuse area, bought a house in Indian Falls.

Though Sunser enjoyed doing his own home repairs and remodeling in the past, he said, he figured the new job would keep him too busy for much house maintenance, so they sought out a newer home in an attractive location.

The search gave him and Roseann a chance to explore Genesee County and they were impressed by the variety of vistas and the beauty of the environment.

"The topography really changes as you cross the county from Pembroke to Pavilion," Sunser said. "Of course, the view of the hills from the campus is just gorgeous."

Four days into his new job, he's not formed many opinions about what, if anything, he might do differently, or what big plans he might like to launch, but he said it's natural to look for possible improvements.

"I'm starting to get to know people better and starting to come up with ideas as far as continuous improvement," Sunser said.

"But, I’m fortunate," he added. "It’s a great school with excellent people and I’m sure we’re all going to work well together to continue the tradition of excellence that we have here."