GCC president tells county legislators that the local college is adapting to better serve community

Dr. Lamb says GCC has $86 million economic impact in GLOW

Dr. Craig Lamb, president of GCC

ALBION – The president of Genesee Community College said the local college is adapting to changing needs in the community to better prepare students for the workforce and their educational journeys.

Dr. Craig Lamb said GCC has expanded beyond traditional academics to meet workforce development needs. It is offering technology training programs in industrial electric, plumbing, CNC machining, welding, HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration).

GCC also has redesigned a two-year associate degree in cybersecurity, which Lamb said prepares students for high-demand careers in digital security.

“These programs are designed to connect students directly to good-paying jobs and support the economic vitality of our region,” he said during a recent presentation to the County Legislature.

Lamb said GCC strives to make college affordable. Tuition and student fees were not increased in 2025-26, he said.

GCC is also part of the SUNY Reconnect program, which opens the door for students ages 25 to 55 to return to college. Eligible students in the select degree programs will have their tuition, fees, books and supplied covered through SUNY Reconnect.  Lamb said the initiative “removes financial barriers and makes college more accessible than ever.”

The GCC programs included in the program include Alcohol & Substance Abuse Studies; Computer Information Systems; Computer Support & Operations; Computerized Drafting & Design; Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking; Health Studies; Liberal Arts & Sciences: Teacher Education Transfer; Nursing; Physical Therapist Assistant; Respiratory Care; and Web Design. Click here for more information.

He noted GCC has a total economic impact of $86.4 million in the GLOW region.

“That includes student spending, workforce development and the ripple effects of ur graduates contributing to local industries,” Lamb said. “GCC is not just an educational institution – it’s an economic engine.”

GCC has a campus center in Medina which is the busiest of the campus centers in GLOW, not including the main campus in Batavia.

The college is eager to partner with the community by supporting local initiatives or developing customized training programs, Lamb told the legislators.

“We are proud to maintain a strong relationship with Orleans County, and we’re always open to new partnerships,” he said.