During King’s time on campus, he toured the Veterans Student Lounge and Nursing program classrooms and labs and met with JCC leadership, faculty, and students. 

King is visiting SUNY community colleges throughout the state to promote New York’s free community college program for adult learners, which begins this fall semester. Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative, New York state provides free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25-55 who don’t already have a college degree, to help them pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field. 

During the visit, King spotlighted JCC’s Nursing associate’s degree program, which is eligible for the SUNY Reconnect program. Additional JCC SUNY Reconnect eligible programs include degrees in other healthcare fields, advanced manufacturing, computer technology, and education. 

King also highlighted JCC’s day care center on the Cattaraugus County Campus in partnership with the Twin Tiers YMCA, which helps address essential childcare needs and is part of the college’s efforts to ensure adult learners are able to focus on their coursework.  

“Jamestown Community College is a foundational institution for the entire region, and thanks to the SUNY Reconnect program, more adult learners will be able to pursue good jobs in high-demand fields like nursing after earning a JCC degree,” King said. “Thanks to wise investments by Governor Hochul and state leaders, Jamestown Community College is not only able to meet the educational needs of area residents, but is also able to provide high-quality childcare so that adult learners can pursue their aspirations. I applaud Jamestown Community College for stepping up and serving as an educational and economic driver for this region and beyond.” 

Through meeting with current and graduated JCC military veteran students, King learned more about JCC’s commitment to active duty military members, veterans, reservists, National Guard, dependents, and spouses. JCC was designated a 2025-26 Silver Military Friendly® school and Military Friendly® spouse school by VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business.  

King was also part of a campus roundtable discussion that included JCC president Daniel DeMarte, JCC Board of Trustees chair Mark Ward; State Sen. George Borello; Chautauqua County executive PJ Wendel; JCC healthcare faculty Sarah Tranum and Heather Burrell; JCC veteran students Daniel Gonzalez and Matthew Adams, JCC SUNY Reconnect students Emily Kalfas and Ryley Kalfas, and SUNY Board of Trustees members Eunice Lewin, Candice Vacin, and Bruce Simon. 

“We know that life sometimes gets in the way of completing a degree, but we also know the incredible value a college education brings to individuals and their families,” DeMarte said. “SUNY Reconnect makes it possible for adults to return to college without the burden of tuition and with the full support of a college committed to their success. Thank you, Chancellor King, for your leadership and support in helping move SUNY Reconnect forward.”