History at a Glance
1966–1977: The Early Years
The history of SUNY Poly dates back to 1966, when Upper Division College at Herkimer/Rome/Utica was founded and began offering graduate programs to students using classrooms at a local elementary school.
In 1971, the college began operating in a former mill building in West Utica, which was gradually remodeled into classrooms, offices, and a library.
With growing enrollment, the institution leased three additional buildings in West Utica and one in Rome. In 1977, the college adopted a new name: the State University of New York College of Technology at Utica-Rome.
1981–2011: Campus Growth and Expansion
In 1981, construction began on a new campus in Marcy. The first building, Kunsela Hall, was completed in 1984, and the college operated two campuses during a transitional period.
By the fall semester of 1987, entering students attended all classes at the new campus. In 1989, the institution was renamed the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome.
Continued growth brought significant campus improvements, including a $13 million student center, a $20 million fieldhouse and athletic fields, and a $23.5 million residence hall, all completed in 2011.
2014: Formation of SUNY Polytechnic Institute
SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) was officially formed on March 19, 2014, when the State University of New York Board of Trustees unanimously approved SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher's recommendation to merge the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) in Albany and the SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) in Utica.
The merger was the product of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's vision to create an institution rooted in academia and capable of supporting New York State's skilled workforce, industrial development, and economic growth.
2022–Present: A New Chapter
On December 13, 2022, the SUNY Board of Trustees voted to formally begin the process of transferring the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) to the University at Albany. The completed transition was formally announced in August 2023.
SUNY Poly now operates one campus, located in Utica, and comprises four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences. The institution remains an innovative academic leader and economic driver in the Mohawk Valley region and beyond.
As a polytechnic institution, SUNY Poly offers a diverse range of professional, technical, and liberal arts programs. By combining theory and practice, the institution prepares graduates for rewarding careers and meaningful contributions to society.
With approximately 3,000 students enrolled, SUNY Poly recognizes that a strong, student-centered educational experience is the foundation for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral education.
Athletics
SUNY Poly is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and the Empire 8 Athletic Conference.
SUNY Poly varsity sports include baseball, softball, and men's and women's teams competing in basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball.
SUNY Poly's athletic nickname is the Wildcats.
