Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf Featured in Inside Higher Ed

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - June 8, 2023)Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf was featured in Inside Higher Ed on June 9, 2023, for her article entitled “Welcome, Transfers! Prioritizing Students Coming From Community Colleges”.  

In it, she addresses the growing issue of transfer completion rates and the staggering number of people who have some college credit, but no degree.  

“We have known all this for years, but the time to act is now,” she said. “The population with some credit and no credential nationwide is increasing at alarming rates. These 40.4 million people need us to take action. Public education is the most promising driver of social mobility in this country, but we are failing to respond effectively to the growing equity crisis.” 

Vollendorf suggests that a mindset shift is needed by four-year colleges and universities — one that places emphasis on these institutions as drivers of educational attainment, not barriers to access. To create a transfer-friendly university, the transfer credit process should be easier and more transparent, with a focus on maximizing what a student already has. She points to Empire State University as an example, citing SUNY Empire’s 100% credit transfer, credit for prior learning acceptance rates, and strong commitment to a student-first, inclusive mentality.  

“To reduce equity gaps and increase social mobility, we must all embrace a new mantra: Welcome, transfers!”  

Read President Vollendorf’s article on Inside Higher Ed.