Columbia College of Missouri receives Air Force approval to stay at Hancock Field in Syracuse, N.Y.

Columbia College of Missouri receives Air Force approval to stay at Hancock Field in Syracuse, N.Y.

Columbia College of Missouri, located at Hancock Field, in Syracuse, N.Y., received a three-year lease agreement from the Air Force to resume operations on Hancock Field beginning Dec. 1, 2011. This lease will allow Columbia College to continue to educate students who attend the Hancock Field campus and enable them to achieve their educational endeavors. A modular facility and parking lot off Townline Road will be available to students in March 2012. In the interim, 23 complete degrees are available online.

“We couldn’t be happier about this agreement and the opportunity it affords us to continue educating our students,” said Dr. Gerald Brouder, Columbia College president. “I’m sincerely grateful to all those who supported our mission and provided assistance that enabled us to stay in the Syracuse area. In particular I want to thank Senators Claire McCaskill, Kristen Gillibrand and Charles Schumer for their significant support for New York students.”

In October U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) held a press conference, to ask for Air Force support in allowing Columbia College the opportunity to continue to educate civilians, veterans and military personnel in a less sensitive area of the base. Due to a change in the base mission, Columbia College had to close classroom doors in October and offer students online classes.

 

Project details: 

• Columbia College received approval from the Air Force to operate at Hancock Field for three years. The agreement was signed Dec. 1. 
• Columbia College will conduct classes from a modular structure (11,600 sq. ft.) that is situated away from base operations at Hancock Field. 
• The $2 million project includes site work, construction of a parking lot and a modular facility that will house two computer labs, seven classrooms, one testing center, student lounge and office space for nine full-time and 2 part-time staff members. 
• The new facility will be accessible by using Townline Road, where identification will not be needed to access the new facility.
• Staff and faculty will occupy the building in February 2012, and in-seat classes will be held in March 2012.

Background:

·    Due to a change in base mission, Columbia College had to close its classroom doors in October 2011.  The college offered online courses so students could continue their education.

·    Based on a strong, almost 40-year relationship, Representatives from the 174^th Fighter Wing at Hancock Field continued to partner with Columbia College to identify potential opportunities that would allow the college to continue on with its mission.

·    Sens. Clair McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Kristen Gillabrand (D-NY) showed their support by writing a joint letter on behalf of Columbia College, stating the importance of education and the need to continue that mission at Hancock Field.

·    Oct. 26, 2011 - Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), highlighted the need to expedite a lease agreement when he called a press conference at Hancock Field.