Good news from my alma mater, SUNY Plattsburgh.

PSUC [Plattsburgh State University College] accepted a record-setting low 49.4 percent of applicants for the incoming class of 2007. The numbers represent a more than 13 percent drop in acceptance in just two years.

From 1994 to 2003 the school was ruled with an iron fist by President Horace Judson, who proceeded to drag down what was once a highly respected institution with a myriad of scandals, controversies, unethical practices, financial mismanagement, and politically motivated agendas. Students, faculty, and alumni all rejoiced when he resigned. One of the many horrible things Judson did during his tenure was to drastically lower the standards for acceptance in to SUNY Plattsburgh, making it easy for just about anybody to get in. (I don't even want to get into the reasons why he intentionally did this, but it wasn't for money.) And so after I graduated, the excellent reputation of my alma mater soon suffered.

In 2004 the college hired John Ettling as its new president, and everything I've heard about him and his work has been a huge improvement. This brings me back to the recent good news that not only has Ettling reversed the detrimental enrollment policies of Judson, but he's set the highest standards for admission in the 100+ year history of SUNY Plattsburgh. Thank you Mr. Ettling, because the perceived value of my diploma is directly affected by the continued reputation of my alma mater, long after I've graduated.

Here's a link to the news article but you may need to register.

Labels: Plattsburgh