In a heartbreaking announcement, Saint Rose President Marcia White confirmed on Friday that the College of Saint Rose, located in Albany's Pine Hills neighborhood, will be closing its doors in mid-2024. This decision comes after exhausting all options in an effort to continue operations and secure a partnership with another educational institution.

President White expressed her deep sadness and devastation over the closure, stating, "To talk about the closure of the College of Saint Rose is so painful and devastating to all of us."

The college's closure was finalized on Thursday, following the recommendation of national consultants hired over the past two years to assess financial, legal, and enrollment management strategies. Despite efforts to find a partner for a potential merger or affiliation, no viable options materialized, leaving the college with no choice but to shut down.

President White clarified that their request was not for a bailout but for bridge funding to facilitate ongoing communication with potential partners. Unfortunately, the absence of a collaborative opportunity furthered their financial struggles.

The closure of the College of Saint Rose will have a significant impact on educational programs vital to New York State, including nursing, teaching, social work, and law enforcement. President White emphasized that these fields are currently in a "crisis mode" and losing the college will exacerbate the shortage of qualified professionals.

One of the major obstacles that the college faced was the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused 1.4 million students to leave education and subsequently affected enrollment rates. Additionally, a decline in high school students opting for college education has contributed to the challenging landscape faced by colleges across New York State.

With just 2,566 current students, the College of Saint Rose had a smaller endowment compared to institutions with larger enrollments. President White acknowledged the financial limitations, stating, "Having a very small endowment as we did, we just got to the point where financially, we're not able to continue."

The college occupies approximately 80 buildings in Albany's Pine Hills neighborhood, raising questions about the fate of these properties. However, President White emphasized that her primary concern lies with the students, not the real estate.

Although instruction will continue until mid-2024, the college is focusing on assisting the community during this transition period. Graduation is scheduled for May 11, and a summer session will be offered to help students complete their degrees by the end of the academic year.

As the College of Saint Rose prepares to close its doors permanently, the impact on the surrounding area extends beyond the loss of educational opportunities. President White acknowledged the economic support the college provided to the community and noted the ripple effect that the closure will have on the neighborhood.

While uncertainty and tension loom over the campus, President White assured students and their families that the college will offer its unwavering support and provide all the necessary information to navigate this challenging time. The college remains committed to helping students find alternative paths to continue their education.

The closure of the College of Saint Rose will undoubtedly leave a void in Albany's educational landscape and pose challenges for students seeking quality education in vital fields. The educational community, as well as the local community, must come together to support those affected by this unfortunate turn of events.