STONE RIDGE – Nancy Zimpher, who became SUNY Chancellor a few months ago, visited SUNY Ulster Wednesday, and announced the creation of Bachelor of Science Nursing program at the community college with Utica-based SUNYIT.

The announcement comes a few months after SUNY New Paltz cancelled its baccalaureate nursing program.

“If this country moves to universal health care, the manner for all health care professionals will intensify,” said Zimpher.

Zimpher made the announcement with SUNY Ulster administrators and local elected officials, including Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and Senator William Larkin.

“This is typical of what Ulster Community College has done in the past: They have filled in voids in our community,” said Cahill.

Cahill cited SUNY Ulster’s ability to train a needed workforce for industries such as solar technology and the need for nurses as well as retraining workers.

“They stepped up the plate when IBM left town,” he said. “Here they’ll ensure there’s a steady stream of baccalaureate nurses.”

Classes start August 24, and SUNY it will conduct a nursing informational meetings at the Business Resource Center August 19 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.