SUNY Canton Partners with Subaru in a Public – Private Partnership

Related Media

Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp., discusses the advantages of partnering with SUNY Canton to create a corporate training center.

CANTON, NY (08/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Subaru Distributors Corporation has made SUNY Canton its newest corporate training center.

The announcement was made today (Thursday, August 23) at an open house celebration. Subaru and area dealers will be contributing approximately $500,000 in tools, diagnostic equipment, and brand new cars to the College over the next five years to facilitate the partnership.

"SUNY Canton exemplifies the 'Power of SUNY' and how we can work with distinguished private sector partners like Subaru to boost economic opportunities across the state," said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a letter to the College. "I commend Subaru Distributors Corp. and North Country Subaru Dealers for recognizing the strength of the SUNY system and SUNY Canton's state-of-the-art and newly renovated Automotive Laboratory."

Through the new partnership, automotive technology students can become certified to work with Subaru. Additionally, a third of the Subaru dealers in New York can send their technicians for training at SUNY Canton, saving the company money on travel to more distant training centers.

"The SUNY Canton Subaru Training Center will be an inspiration for our automotive technology students and will be an example of the value of our partnerships for other corporations," said Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. "The training center will significantly impact our students' educational opportunities, as well as increase the prestige of our automotive technology program."

The partnership was first formed when Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the automotive program was introduced to Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp. Wells graduated from SUNY Canton in 1975, and earned a second degree from the College in 2010.

According to Baldwin, students who complete the training will be exposed to the latest in automotive technology. "Subaru will give them an added edge as they begin their career search," he said.

Wells pointed out that the collaboration is a great investment from Subaru's perspective, because students who complete the training and go on to work for the company will already have the specific skills needed, saving dealerships thousands of dollars.

"This is also another outstanding partnership between alumni and SUNY Canton," said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. "The power of our successful alumni reaching out to assist our community and our current and future students is profound and deeply appreciated."

Dealerships in attendance included, Barstow Subaru in Potsdam, Fuccillo Subaru in Watertown, and Bill McBride Subaru in Plattsburgh.

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor's degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor's degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College's athletic teams are beginning their provisional year in NCAA Division III.

-www.canton.edu-