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State University of New York at Cortland
State University of New York at Cortland
State University of New York at Cortland
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The State University of New York at Cortland (SUNY Cortland, C-State, or Cortland State) is a public university in Cortland, New York, United States. It was founded in 1868 and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Key Information

History

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The State University of New York Cortland was founded in 1868 as the Cortland Normal School. Among its earliest students was inventor and industrialist Elmer A. Sperry of Sperry Rand Corp.[3]

In 1941, by an action made by the Board of Regents, the institution became a four-year college known as the "Cortland State Teachers College," where students could earn a bachelor's degree. In 1948, Cortland was a founding member of the State University of New York. In 1961, the college was officially renamed as the State University of New York College at Cortland.[4]

On January 1, 2023, the State University of New York changed the name of the college from State University of New York College at Cortland to the State University of New York at Cortland.[5]

Campus

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Cortland is off of Interstate 81, between Syracuse and Binghamton. The college's main campus covers 191 acres (770,000 m2), and includes 30 traditional and modern buildings. Fourteen of these structures are residence halls that provide housing for approximately 3,000 students. SUNY Cortland also operates its Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks, the Hoxie Gorge Nature Preserve outside Cortland, and the Brauer Education Center on the Helderberg Escarpment near Albany.

The U.S. Department of the Interior in 2004 designated Camp Pine Knot, now known as the Huntington Memorial Camp and part of its Outdoor Education center at Raquette Lake, as the first and only National Historic Landmark within the State University of New York (SUNY). Camp Pine Knot was the first Great Camp of the Adirondacks and the birthplace of what is now known as the Adirondack style of architecture. SUNY Cortland has 55,000 alumni who live in all 50 states and in more than 40 countries.

Organization and administration

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Cortland is a comprehensive college within the State University of New York system.

Academics

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Academic rankings
Master's
Washington Monthly[6]45 of 604
Regional
U.S. News & World Report[7]33 (tie) of 159
National
Forbes[8]495 of 500
WSJ/College Pulse[9]345 of 500

Today, approximately 6,800 students are pursuing degrees within the college's three academic divisions—arts and sciences, education and professional studies. Twenty-eight academic departments with a faculty of more than 600 offer the SUNY Cortland student body 50 majors[10] and 38 minors from which to choose, plus 33 graduate majors and four certificates of advanced study.

Student life

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Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023[11]
Race and ethnicity Total
White 76%
 
Hispanic 12%
 
Black 4%
 
Unknown 3%
 
Two or more races 2%
 
Asian 1%
 
International student 1%
 
Economic diversity
Low-income[a] 28%
 
Affluent[b] 72%
 

SUNY Cortland has over 100 student clubs.[12]

In 2015, the school opened a $56 million Student Life Center (SLC).[13] The SLC covers more than 150,000 square feet (14,000 m2) and includes a three-court gymnasium, a swimming pool, indoor running track, rock climbing wall, dining bistro, table tennis room, game room, combatives room, various exercise spaces, a golf simulator, and cardio and weight training equipment.

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Cortland Red Dragons

The Cortland Red Dragons are the athletic teams for SUNY Cortland. The college competes in NCAA Division III in the State University of New York Athletic Conference for most sports. Football played in the New Jersey Athletic Conference from 2000 to 2014, and became an affiliate member of the Empire 8 in 2015.[14] Wrestling competes in the Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference, the women's ice hockey team competes in the ECAC West, women's gymnastics is a National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) East member, and women's golf is an independent, as those sports are not offered by the SUNYAC.

SUNY Cortland has had the most regional successful men's and women's intercollegiate athletics program in New York over the past two decades. In 1995, the Sears Directors' Cup was established to gauge and recognize the most successful intercollegiate athletics programs in the nation. SUNY Cortland is one of only five colleges and universities in the U.S. to have finished every year among the Top 25 NCAA Division III programs. Cortland placed 12th out of approximately 440 schools during the 2015–16 competition that is now known as the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup. The competition is sponsored by USA Today, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and Learfield Sports. The standings are based on schools' national finishes in different sports.

The Cortland Red Dragons annually play Ithaca College Bombers for the Cortaca Jug, which was added in 1959 to an already competitive rivalry. The match-up is one of the most prominent in Division III college football. It was called the "biggest little game in the nation" by Sports Illustrated in 1991. The Red Dragons had a seven-game winning streak as of November 2016, but lost 48–20 in 2017. They also play the Cortaca Mic game every Friday before the Cortaca Jug game. Which is played between the Ithaca (WICB) and Cortland (WSUC) school radio stations. Cortland has never lost this game since it has been played.[15]

Cortland also plays rival SUNY school Oswego each year for the "Dragon Sword" in Women's Field Hockey. The sword was donated by Oswego alumni Kimberlee (Bennett) and Michael Champitto and began play annually in 1999. As of 2021 Cortland has never failed to capture the sword at this event.

Cortland snapped Salisbury University's 69-game win streak to capture the 2006 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Div. III National Championship. The team reached the 2007 and 2008 national championship in rematch games against Salisbury University. The lacrosse team won its second Division III national championship in 2009, defeating Gettysburg in the finals.

In 2006 as part of its Silver Anniversary of sponsoring women's sports, the NCAA named the SUNY Cortland women's cross country program as its top cross country program of the past 25 years. The Cortland women captured seven NCAA Division III national championships in a nine-year span between 1989 and 1997 (1989, 1991–1995, 1997). In addition, the Cortland men's cross country team won the 2008 NCAA Div. III championship.

In all, Cortland teams have won 25 national titles, including 18 NCAA crowns. Along with the titles mentioned above, the field hockey team won NCAA Div. III titles in 1993, 1994 and 2001, the women's outdoor track and field team won an NCAA Div. III title in 1985 and the women's indoor track and field team was the 1991 NCAA Div. III champion. The men's lacrosse squad won the NCAA Div. II title in 1975 and the USILA College Division championship in 1973. The women's soccer won the 1992 NCAA Div. III tournament and captured the first-ever U.S. National Women's Soccer Championship in 1980, defeating UCLA in the finals. The men's gymnastics team won USGF Div. II-III titles in 1986, 1987, 1989 and 1990. The baseball and Women's Lacrosse teams each won their first ever Div. III titles in 2015. The women's lacrosse team won 18 SUNYAC titles between 1997 and 2015.[16]

The Men's Football team won its first NCAA Division III National Championship in 2023.

Cortland previously hosted the summer training camp of the NFL's New York Jets from 2009 to 2014, except for 2011 due to the NFL lockout.

International Exchange Program

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SUNY Cortland has 18 partner universities across the world such as the German Sport University Cologne and the Griffith University in Australia.[17]

Notable people

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Alumni

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Main article: List of State University of New York at Cortland alumni

Faculty

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

State University of New York at Cortland

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The at Cortland (SUNY Cortland) is a public in , established in 1868 as the Cortland Normal School to train teachers and now serving as a comprehensive institution within the SUNY system, with approximately 5,911 undergraduate and 1,027 graduate students enrolled as of fall 2024 on its 191-acre campus. It emphasizes , diversity, and student well-being, offering 67 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs across three schools: Arts and Sciences, Education, and Professional Studies, with particular strengths in , health professions, business, and natural sciences. Founded by the New York State Legislature amid post-Civil War efforts to expand public education, SUNY Cortland began classes in 1869 but faced early challenges, including a devastating fire in 1919 that destroyed its original building; the current campus, centered around the historic Old Main structure opened in 1923, reflects its evolution from a teachers college to a multifaceted university. It introduced master's programs in 1947 and joined the SUNY system in 1948, later renaming to SUNY College at Cortland in 1961 to encompass broader arts, sciences, and professional fields. Today, under President Erik J. Bitterbaum since 2003, the university maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 636 faculty members (325 full-time), fostering a residential campus environment where about 50% of undergraduates live on-site. SUNY Cortland is recognized for its commitment to and , ranking #13 among top public schools and #33 in regional universities in the North according to , while also prioritizing as a tobacco-free and 100% renewable campus since 2014. Its programs promote engaged through , clubs, and community involvement, preparing students for diverse careers in a supportive setting that balances academic rigor with high-quality student life.

History

Founding and early development

The at Cortland was established in 1868 as the Cortland by the , one of several normal schools created to train teachers for New York's public schools amid a national push for professional education in the post-Civil War period. The institution's founding addressed the shortage of qualified educators, with the Local Board of Trustees, including prominent figures like Henry S. Randall, appointed to oversee its development. Construction of the school's first building, the original Normal School structure on Church Street, began in 1868, enabling classes to commence on , 1869. The early curriculum centered on , offering three programs—Elementary English, Advanced English, and —for students aged 16 and older, with tuition and textbooks provided free by the state. Integral to this training was a model for practice teaching, established through an agreement with the local community to educate children while providing hands-on experience for normal school students. The inaugural principal, James H. Hoose, served from 1869 to 1891 and built the school's foundation for rigorous teacher preparation, including the launch of the first student newspaper, Index Normalis, in its opening year. In the late , the Cortland saw steady enrollment growth, expanding from a modest initial cohort to over 200 students by 1900 as demand for trained teachers increased across New York. In 1919, a devastating destroyed the original building on Church Street, prompting the relocation to the current 191-acre campus. The historic Old Main structure, the centerpiece of the new campus, opened in 1923. The marked key expansions in the curriculum, with the addition of domestic and manual training programs to prepare educators for emerging vocational subjects in public schools, reflecting broader trends in practical education. These developments solidified the institution's role in shaping progressive teaching practices during the Progressive Era, though it remained focused on its two-year normal school model until later changes.

Expansion and integration into SUNY system

In 1941, the Cortland Normal School was renamed the Cortland State Teachers College and began offering four-year programs, marking a shift from its original two-year teacher-training focus. Seven years later, in 1948, the institution became one of the charter members of the newly established (SUNY) system, integrating into a coordinated network of public higher education institutions designed to expand access across the state. This affiliation aligned Cortland with SUNY's emphasis on affordability and broad educational opportunities, while retaining its primary mission in teacher preparation. Following , enrollment at Cortland surged due to the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the , which provided al benefits to returning veterans. The student body grew from a low of 357 during to 1,075 by 1947 and exceeded 2,300 by 1959, necessitating expansions in housing and facilities to accommodate the influx. In response, the college broadened its curriculum beyond to include liberal arts and sciences programs, laying the groundwork for its evolution into a more comprehensive institution. Key milestones in the mid-20th century further solidified Cortland's growth within the SUNY framework. The first master's degrees were awarded in 1950 in areas such as elementary education, physical education, health education, and recreation education, following authorization in 1947, with classes initially held in the evenings to serve working professionals. The 1960s saw significant infrastructure development, including the construction of Neubig Hall in 1960, Hayes Hall in 1960, Bowers Hall in 1960 (with an addition in 1965), and the Dowd Fine Arts Center in 1967, to support the expanding academic offerings and student population. Amid the fiscal constraints of the 1970s, influenced by broader economic challenges facing New York State, Cortland diversified its programs by strengthening emphases in health and physical education, including the opening of the Park Center in 1973 as a hub for these disciplines. As part of SUNY's comprehensive college model, Cortland played a vital role in promoting accessible higher education, particularly for regional students seeking affordable degrees in and related fields. In the and , the institution expanded its faculty and infrastructure to address ongoing enrollment growth, introducing initiatives like the Center for Educational Exchange in 1982 and the Honors Program in 1983, alongside major renovations such as the Old Main building in 1997. These developments enhanced Cortland's capacity to deliver a balanced curriculum in arts, sciences, and professional studies, reinforcing its position within the SUNY system. On January 1, 2023, the institution's name was updated to the State University of New York at Cortland.

Campus

Location and grounds

The State University of New York at Cortland is located in the city of Cortland, in , within the scenic region characterized by rolling hills and proximity to numerous state parks such as and Fillmore Glen State Park. The campus lies approximately 32 miles south of Syracuse and 22 miles northeast of Ithaca, positioning it as a convenient hub for regional exploration while embedded in a landscape that supports outdoor activities. Spanning 191 acres, the campus encompasses core academic buildings, residence halls, and athletic fields, with its layout divided into three primary zones: North Campus (primarily academic buildings), Central Campus (residence halls and Corey Union), and South Campus (professional studies building and athletic facilities). Pathways radiate from key central spaces, including the Main Quad situated between Bowers Hall and Old Main, facilitating pedestrian flow across the site. The grounds integrate natural elements such as wooded borders and green spaces, enhanced by eight designated walking trails ranging from 0.4 to 2.3 miles that promote and environmental awareness. initiatives, including the adoption of 100 percent renewable electric energy for all facilities in 2013 and the creation of "no mow" zones to foster native wildflowers and habitats, underscore efforts to preserve and enhance these features since the early . Accessibility to the campus is supported by major roadways including and New York State Route 13, which connect it directly to for broader travel. Public transportation options include regional bus services linking to Syracuse and Ithaca, complemented by on-campus shuttle routes that operate frequently during the academic year to transport students, faculty, and staff across the grounds.

Key facilities and infrastructure

The State University of New York at Cortland features a range of academic buildings that support its instructional programs. The Memorial Library, constructed in 1961, serves as the primary resource center for students and faculty, housing extensive print and digital collections with ongoing enhancements to digital access. The Dowd Fine Arts Center, built in 1967 and renovated in 2013, provides dedicated spaces for , including theaters and galleries for music, theater, and exhibitions. The Education Building houses facilities for the , including labs and classrooms tailored for teacher training and programs. Residential infrastructure includes 18 residence halls on the main campus, accommodating over 3,000 students in various configurations from traditional doubles to suite-style living. The Student Life Center, opened in 2015, offers comprehensive support facilities such as a multi-court gymnasium, indoor three-lane track, fitness areas, , and an aquatic center with pool and , promoting wellness and recreation for the campus community. Athletic and recreational venues are integral to campus life. The Alumni Arena functions as a multi-sport venue within the Park Center, hosting , , and other indoor events with seating for spectators. The SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex supports outdoor sports like football and , featuring a synthetic turf field and grandstands. The Harriet Holsten Pool, also in the Park Center, is a six-lane, 50-meter Olympic-sized facility with diving capabilities and advanced timing systems. Since the , the campus has undergone significant infrastructure improvements, with over $300 million invested in renovations and new to enhance energy efficiency and modernize facilities. These efforts include major projects like the $30 million upgrade to the Smith-Casey Towers residence halls in 2020. Recent projects include the completion of Alger Hall renovations in summer 2025, with major renovations to Corey Union planned to begin in 2026. In the , sustainability initiatives have advanced, with multiple buildings achieving certification, including the Platinum-rated Dragon Hall completed in 2014; ongoing projects aim for further standards in new constructions, such as a planned 200-bed residence hall with beginning in 2026.

Administration

Governance structure

The State University of New York at Cortland (SUNY Cortland) operates within the governance framework of the system, overseen by the SUNY Board of Trustees, a 15-member body appointed by the to establish system-wide policies and ensure compliance across all campuses. At the campus level, the College Council provides advisory oversight, consisting of nine members appointed by the governor for seven-year terms, along with the Student Government Association president and Faculty Senate chair serving one-year terms; established in the 1970s, the council reviews the president's proposed budgets, advises on academic programs, recommends presidential appointments, and addresses student conduct regulations. Internally, SUNY Cortland's administrative structure is divided into three academic schools—the School of Arts and Sciences, the , and the School of Professional Studies—each managed by deans and supported by elected school or divisional committees that handle and resource allocation. Faculty governance is led by the Faculty Senate, an elected body representing voting faculty and professional staff, which provides input on educational policies, , and institutional priorities through standing committees like those for and academic affairs. Financial operations follow the SUNY funding model, relying on state appropriations for operational support and tuition revenue to cover a significant portion of expenses, with the College Council reviewing annual budget requests before submission to the system. The university maintains adherence to SUNY-wide compliance standards, including accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which the SUNY system has held since , ensuring ongoing evaluation of institutional effectiveness. In the 2020s, SUNY Cortland has strengthened shared practices amid enrollment fluctuations, emphasizing collaborative decision-making through expanded committees on equity and inclusion, such as the President's Council on Inclusive Excellence, which promotes diversity initiatives and reviews campus climate; these efforts earned the campus SUNY's 2023-24 Shared Governance Award for fostering inclusive participation among faculty, staff, students, and administrators.

Current leadership and organization

The at Cortland is led by President Erik J. Bitterbaum, Ph.D., who has served in the role since 2003 and is the longest-serving president in the SUNY system. A specializing in , Bitterbaum holds a Ph.D. from the and brings extensive experience in higher education administration, including oversight of $400 million in projects, in two capital campaigns that raised over $57 million, and initiatives to boost underrepresented student enrollment from 4% in 2003 to 25% by 2024. His tenure has emphasized student success through expanded programs generating over 200,000 hours annually, strengthened accreditation efforts, and support for Division III athletics, including hosting NFL Jets training camps from 2009 to 2014 that provided student internships. The provost and s form the core of the administrative , convening as the President's Cabinet to guide decision-making on academics, operations, and strategic priorities. Ann K. McClellan serves as provost and for academic affairs, providing vision for the academic divisions since her appointment in 2023. Other key cabinet members include C. Gregory Sharer as for , overseeing student support services; Mark Yacavone as for and , handling budgetary and operational functions; and Richard Coyne as for institutional advancement, directing and . Patty Francis acts as interim , coordinating cabinet activities, while Lorraine Lopez-Janove holds the position of , leading efforts to promote equity across the institution. The university's organization centers on three primary academic schools—the School of Arts and Sciences, the , and the School of Professional Studies—which house departments and deliver undergraduate and graduate curricula. Complementing these are dedicated support offices, including the Enrollment Management unit, which strategically recruits and retains students through admissions and financial aid services, and the Facilities Management office, responsible for maintaining campus infrastructure and grounds to support daily operations. Graduate Studies operates as a distinct program area offering advanced degrees, while the Extended Learning Office facilitates non-traditional scheduling and online/hybrid options. In 2025, the Institutional Equity and Inclusion Office, under Lopez-Janove, continued to advance recruitment and retention of diverse , staff, and students through targeted programming. President Bitterbaum's Spring 2025 opening address highlighted initiatives to foster a culture of belonging, such as intrusive advising for first-generation students and efforts to build personal connections, while emphasizing opportunities like training and expanded study abroad programs growing 20% annually since the . These efforts align with broader student success priorities, including support and infrastructure upgrades like $27 million in housing renovations set for January 2026.

Academics

Academic divisions and structure

The academic structure of the State University of New York at Cortland is organized into three primary schools that oversee undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across , sciences, , and professional fields. The School of Arts and Sciences encompasses departments in fine arts, , social sciences, natural sciences, , and adolescence teacher , emphasizing a liberal arts foundation that integrates and research skills. The School of Education focuses on teacher preparation, including programs in childhood and , , , and , with a commitment to practical fieldwork and inclusive practices. The School of Professional Studies addresses health-related and business-oriented disciplines, such as , , communication disorders, , parks, and , promoting hands-on training for career readiness. SUNY Cortland features 27 academic departments distributed across these schools, alongside interdisciplinary programs and centers that support . Key departments include Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English, , and in the School of Arts and Sciences; Literacy and in the School of Education; and Kinesiology, Communication Disorders and Sciences, and in the School of . Interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the Clark Center for Global Engagement, facilitate programs like study abroad through the International Programs Office, enhancing cross-cultural and without forming standalone departments. The faculty comprises 636 instructional members, including 325 full-time tenured and tenure-track professors who prioritize excellence through , grants, and presentations, supplemented by 311 part-time for specialized courses. This composition supports a 15:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty , enabling personalized instruction and undergraduate opportunities. Instructional formats blend traditional and modern approaches, with classes held in lecture halls for large foundational courses, laboratories for hands-on and experiments, and seminars for discussion-based learning in and social sciences. Following the 2020 shift to remote education, the university adopted hybrid models where courses meet in person at least one day per week, with the balance delivered online to accommodate flexible access. All students fulfill core general education requirements comprising 11 categories—such as quantitative skills, natural sciences, social sciences, and global perspectives—totaling at least 30 credit hours to build foundational liberal arts knowledge alongside professional competencies. Graduate programs, integrated within the three schools, and extended learning options through the Extended Learning Office for online, summer, and winter sessions further diversify the structure for non-traditional learners.

Degree programs and enrollment

SUNY Cortland offers 67 undergraduate majors spanning , professions, liberal , and other fields, along with 38 minors to allow for customized academic paths. In , students can pursue programs such as (B.S.Ed.), childhood education (B.S.Ed.), and (B.S.Ed.), which emphasize hands-on preparation and . Health-related majors include (B.S.), exercise science (B.S.), and (B.S.), focusing on , wellness, and therapeutic practices. Liberal options encompass (B.A.), English (B.A.), and Africana studies (B.A.), providing broad interdisciplinary in and social sciences. The university maintains limited offerings, primarily through transfer pathways rather than standalone programs. At the graduate level, SUNY Cortland provides 39 programs, including master's degrees and advanced certificates, with a strong emphasis on in , , and fields. Notable master's offerings include the M.S. in exercise science, which advances in and rehabilitation; the M.S.Ed. in literacy education, designed for certified teachers seeking specialized instruction skills; and the M.S. in , blending principles with industry applications. Additional programs feature certificates in areas like English to speakers of other languages and advanced study options in communication disorders. The university does not offer full doctoral degrees but supports pathways for further advanced study through partnerships. Signature graduate emphases include , ranked No. 6 nationally for the highest percentage of majors among U.S. institutions, and kinesiology-related programs that build on undergraduate strengths in and sciences. Fall 2024 enrollment at SUNY Cortland totaled 6,938 students, with 5,911 undergraduates and 1,027 graduates, reflecting a stable student body focused on career-oriented programs. The undergraduate population is diverse, with approximately 23% identifying as students of color, including 12% or Latino, 4% or African American, and 1% Asian students, alongside small cohorts of international and multiracial enrollees. Admissions are moderately selective, with a 60% acceptance rate for first-year applicants and an average high school GPA of 92 among enrolled students. SUNY Cortland operates as a test-optional , not requiring SAT or ACT scores, which supports broader access for qualified applicants.

Rankings and research initiatives

In national rankings, the State University of New York at Cortland is recognized for its strong performance among regional public institutions. According to the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges, it ranks #33 among Regional Universities in the North and #13 among Top Public Schools in that category. Additionally, College Factual's 2025 Best Colleges list places SUNY Cortland at #218 out of 2,152 institutions nationwide, positioning it in the top 10% overall and #25 among New York State schools, an improvement from its top 15% national standing in the 2023 rankings. These evaluations highlight the university's emphasis on undergraduate teaching quality, graduation rates, and social mobility. Program-specific rankings underscore SUNY Cortland's strengths in education and health-related fields. Its teacher education programs, particularly in subject-specific education, rank in the top 10% nationally (#25 out of 450 schools) per College Factual, reflecting high value for graduates entering the workforce. In kinesiology and physical therapy, the university is ranked #101 nationally by Niche's 2026 Best Colleges list, with its exercise science program placing #25 out of 136 in New York State according to College Factual's 2025 rankings. SUNY Cortland has also been identified as a model for student success, earning #17 in U.S. News & World Report's Top Public Universities in the North for 2025, emphasizing opportunities for socioeconomic advancement. The university holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring institutional quality across its operations. Its received accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) in 2024, valid through 2029, affirming standards in teacher preparation programs. Specialized accreditations include the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions for recreation programs and recognition from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for communication sciences and disorders. Research at SUNY Cortland is primarily undergraduate-focused, supporting faculty and student scholarship through dedicated offices and centers rather than pursuing R1 research-intensive status. The Research and Sponsored Programs Office assists faculty in securing external funding, with active grants in areas such as environmental science and public health, contributing to interdisciplinary projects aligned with SUNY system priorities. Key initiatives include the Undergraduate Research Council, which offers competitive fellowships for student-led summer projects, fostering publications and presentations. Notable centers encompass the Center for Gender and Intercultural Studies, which promotes equity-focused research on social justice and cultural dynamics, and the Center for Ethics, Peace and Social Justice, emphasizing applied studies in global issues. These efforts have supported steady growth in faculty publications, particularly in education, health sciences, and environmental studies, through collaborations and internal funding programs.

Student Life

Campus housing and dining

The State University of New York at Cortland provides on-campus housing in 30 residence halls accommodating approximately 3,200 students. These include traditional corridor-style doubles in low-rise buildings like Bishop Hall and Fitzgerald Hall, quad-double configurations with shared bathrooms in halls such as Dragon Hall and Glass Tower Hall, suite-style accommodations in high-rise options like Clark Hall, and apartment-style units at West Campus Apartments featuring four single bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Learning communities and special interest housing options, such as quiet study floors, substance-free environments, all-gender housing, and themed communities focused on wellness or , allow students to select residences aligned with their interests. Recent renovations include a $27 million project at Van Hoesen Hall and adjacent Cornish Hall, involving interior and exterior upgrades scheduled for completion in January 2026. Additionally, construction of a new 200-bed residence hall is planned to begin in 2026. All incoming freshmen are required to live on for their first four semesters, with priority assignment ensuring availability for eligible students. The university offers support services including roommate matching through the portal and features such as elevator-equipped buildings and adapted rooms for students with disabilities. For the 2025-2026 , room rates range from $4,580 per semester for standard doubles or triples to $5,465 for suite singles, with total costs averaging around $14,000 annually when including meal plans. Campus dining services operate 11 eateries, including two all-you-can-eat residential halls—Neubig Dining Hall and The Bistro—and various grab-and-go retail spots like Union Station, , and Dragon's Den. These facilities emphasize healthy, locally sourced options, with over 15% of purchases tied to New York producers, and provide extensive accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets alongside ethnic and selections. The dining hall in the Student Life Center seats 300 and features diverse, nutritious meals to support student wellness. In 2024, SUNY Cortland's dining services received national recognition from the Food Recovery Network for efforts, including food waste reduction and recycling initiatives.

Student organizations and activities

The State University of New York at Cortland supports nearly 70 student organizations sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), which serves as the primary voice for the approximately 6,000 undergraduates and oversees club funding, events, and advocacy efforts. These groups span academic, cultural, and service-oriented categories, fostering leadership and . For instance, the Education Club hosts workshops, lectures, and conferences to prepare members for careers and build professional networks. Service initiatives include the SUNY Cortland Cupboard, a campus food pantry providing free non-perishable food and hygiene items to address student food insecurity. Annual events and traditions emphasize campus spirit and wellness, such as the Red Dragon Fest, a fall festival featuring activities like pumpkin painting, obstacle courses, and community gatherings hosted by Residence Life. In 2025, initiatives for transfer students included National Transfer Student Week from October 20-24, with events like Transfer Trivia and Game Night to support integration and social connections. Wellness programs through Conley Counseling and Wellness Services offer group workshops on topics like , body compassion, and to promote . Diversity and inclusion efforts are advanced by organizations such as the Black Student Union, La Familia Latina, and Pride Center, which organize cultural events and programs to create welcoming spaces. These groups support the campus's approximately 23% of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, including 2025 Latiné Heritage Month celebrations like the October 10 festival co-hosted by La Familia Latina and the Caribbean Student Association, featuring music, food, and educational panels. Recreational activities provide non-competitive outlets, including free intramural leagues in sports like , , and , open to all students via the IMLeagues platform. Outdoor options feature access to the Student Life Center's and adventure programs, while volunteer opportunities connect students to the local Cortland community through service with , the city fire department, and after-school programs.

Athletics programs

The State University of New York at Cortland fields 23 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams known as the Red Dragons, competing primarily in as members of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). The program includes 11 men's teams and 12 women's teams, encompassing sports such as football (in the Conference), men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's , wrestling, and . The Red Dragons' nickname derives from a long-standing tradition, with the Blaze—a costumed red dragon—representing at events; the official colors are red and white. The athletics department emphasizes a strong legacy in wrestling and , where the programs have produced numerous NCAA individual champions and All-Americans. Key facilities supporting the Red Dragons include the Alumni Arena, a renovated 15,725-square-foot in the Park Center that hosts hockey and accommodates over 3,000 spectators for multipurpose events like commencement. The SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex, constructed in 2002 with two turf fields and a 43,138-square-foot building, serves as the primary venue for football, field hockey, lacrosse, and events. Recent upgrades in 2025 include equipment and infrastructure improvements to the sports arena as part of the university's capital plan, enhancing training and competition capabilities ahead of the fall and winter seasons. The Red Dragons have a storied history of success, securing multiple national championships, including football in 2023, in 2015, in 2015, and women's soccer in 1980. In , the program boasts two team national titles and 53 individual champions, while wrestling has contributed several national title winners. For the 2025 season, highlights include the football team's clinching of their fifth straight title with a 44-14 win over on November 9 and an 8-2 overall record (7-0 in conference) following a 21-26 loss to Ithaca in the Cortaca Jug on November 15, securing an automatic NCAA playoff berth. The women's soccer team captured its 11th SUNYAC on November 8, defeating Plattsburgh 3-2, and advanced to the NCAA tournament but lost in the first round to Amherst on November 15, finishing 14-3-4. The department prioritizes student-athlete academic success, aiming for team GPAs exceeding the campus average and recognizing top performers through awards like the Robert J. Weber Award for the highest male GPA.

Study abroad and international exchanges

The International Programs Office at the State University of New York at Cortland oversees study abroad opportunities, facilitating access to a wide array of programs through the SUNY system, which includes more than 800 options across over 60 countries on all seven continents. SUNY Cortland-specific offerings encompass over 30 programs, such as faculty-led short-term trips, semester-long exchanges, internships, and student teaching abroad, with examples including cultural and economic studies in , healthcare experiences in , and teaching opportunities in . These programs emphasize cultural immersion, credit transfer, and affordability, positioning Cortland as one of the most active participants in SUNY's global initiatives. The university maintains exchange partnerships with approximately 19 institutions worldwide, enabling reciprocal student mobility and faculty collaboration, with a focus on regions including and through SUNY networks. Notable agreements include a 2015 partnership with in for student and faculty exchanges, and a recent collaboration with Fulda University of Applied Sciences in to strengthen ties in education and culture. These exchanges promote seamless credit transfer and immersive experiences, often integrated with academic majors like international studies and modern languages. SUNY Cortland hosts international students from about 25 countries, with exchange participants drawn from 19 partner universities and approximately 107 international students enrolled as of recent data, reflecting continued growth in global engagement. The International Programs Office provides comprehensive support, including visa assistance, orientation programs, , and cultural integration services to ensure a smooth transition for incoming matriculated, exchange, and visiting students. This office also coordinates initiatives like International Education Week and cultural events to foster global awareness on campus.

Notable People

Notable alumni

The State University of New York at Cortland has produced numerous accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions across various fields, reflecting the institution's emphasis on , , and . With more than 80,000 living worldwide, the university maintains a robust network that fosters connections through events, mentorship, and annual recognition programs.

Entertainment and Media

Mick Foley, a 1987 graduate with a degree in English, rose to prominence as a professional wrestler in , performing under personas such as Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, and winning multiple championships including three WWF World Heavyweight titles. Beyond wrestling, Foley has authored several bestselling books, including his memoir Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks, which became a New York Times bestseller, and he briefly served as on-screen General Manager of in 2016.

Government and Military

Ann E. Dunwoody, who earned a in in 1975, became the first woman in U.S. to achieve the rank of four-star general when she was promoted in 2008 while serving as Commanding General of the U.S. Materiel Command. Commissioned directly into the upon graduation, she had a 38-year career that included key logistics roles in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, retiring in 2012 after overseeing a command with 69,000 employees and a $32 billion budget.

Sports

Aljamain Sterling, a 2011 graduate with a in , is a former UFC Champion who held the title from March 2021 to August 2023, successfully defending it three times before losing to Sean O'Malley and moving up to the featherweight division. A standout wrestler at Cortland where he earned All-American honors in 2010 and 2011, Sterling transitioned to , amassing a professional record of 25–5 as of November 2025.

Science and Academia

Everette Joseph, who received a B.S. in physics in 1985, serves as director of the (NCAR) since 2019, leading efforts in climate modeling, weather prediction, and research that supports global environmental policy. Prior to NCAR, he directed the Atmospheric Sciences Research Center at the , where he advanced studies on aerosol-cloud interactions and , contributing to peer-reviewed publications in journals like .

Education and Community Leadership

Rosita M. Stevens-Holsey, a 1965 graduate, was honored as a 2024 Distinguished Alum for her career as an educator, administrator, and activist, including roles in higher education management and advocacy for civil rights as the niece of trailblazing and Episcopal priest . Her work has focused on equity in education and , earning recognition for preserving Murray's legacy through projects like the Pauli Murray Project. The alumni association annually recognizes emerging leaders through awards such as the Rising Star Award, which in 2024 went to Savannah G. Brancato '20 for her contributions in communications and shortly after graduation.

Notable faculty and staff

In the Department of , several faculty members have earned distinguished ranks for their contributions to and adapted . John Foley, a specializing in adapted , was promoted to SUNY in 2021, recognizing his extensive research on inclusive practices and in national organizations promoting in sports. Similarly, Joy L. Hendrick, a of , received promotion to SUNY Distinguished Service Professor in 2013 for her pioneering work in and in health and . The History Department features faculty recognized for innovative teaching and scholarship. Randi Storch, a professor of history, was elevated to SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2021 for her engaging courses on and , as well as her mentorship of undergraduate researchers. Laura L. Gathagan, an associate professor focusing on medieval history and gender studies, was awarded the 2025 Rozanne M. Brooks Dedicated Teacher Award for her transformative approach to inclusive pedagogy and student-centered learning. Administrative staff have also received accolades for exemplary service. Jamie Scott, from Facilities Operations and Services, earned the 2015 President's Award for Excellence in Classified Service for his leadership in campus maintenance projects and commitment to sustainability efforts. Michelle Congdon, director of talent acquisition in , was honored with the same award in 2017 for her role in enhancing and chairing the Center board, supporting work-life balance for staff. Multiple faculty and staff have been recipients of SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence between 2020 and 2025, highlighting institutional impact. In 2023, Tyler Bradway, associate professor of English, received the award for Excellence in and Creative Activities for his publications on queer literature and . The 2025 honorees included Katherine Ahern (English, Faculty Service), Lisa Czirr (Library, Librarianship), Katherine Hicks (Chemistry, ), Daniel Radus (English, ), Tracy Rammacher (, Professional Service), Kimberly Rombach (, ), and Abby Thomas (Advisement, Professional Service), each recognized for advancements in areas like AI integration, grant-funded research, and student support systems. Faculty involvement in 2025 SUNY-wide initiatives underscores their role in forward-thinking projects. Four members—Karen Davis (, fellowship for curriculum), Lauren deLaubell (Library, AI for Public Good for tools), Jeremy Jiménez (Education, for education), and Danica Savonick (DEISJ fellowship for multicultural )—were selected as SUNY Fellows, contributing to system-level efforts in , technology, and equity.

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