The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill has a clear mission that encompasses a broad range of initiatives and activities: to engage the substantial resources of SUNY Cobleskill in collaboration with regional partners to enhance community and economic vitality in rural New York.
Through its five distinct centers, the Institute addresses the region’s most pressing issues to develop and enact sustainable solutions. SUNY Cobleskill students and faculty are at the fore of community partnerships and coalitions, adding their expertise to that of their partners to support economic development initiatives.
With robust student involvement, the Institute creates boundless new immersive learning opportunities both on and off campus. Each of the five centers complements SUNY Cobleskill’s academic programs to support research opportunities for faculty and students as well as internships and applied learning opportunities.
Contact the institute to inquire about collaboration, propose a project or request more information.
Maria Bido Spotlight – Mia’s Cocina
For many years, María Bído tucked away her dream of starting her own businesses. However, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic and finding herself unemployed, she saw the opportunity to open Mía’s Cocína. María began to navigate what would be necessary to achieve the goal of starting her own business. With the help of her family and friends, they steered her to SUNY Cobleskill and the Institute for Rural Vitality. Today, Mía’s Cocína is a full-service catering company in New York City and Schoharie County providing delicious authentic Puerto Rican cuisine for weddings, sweet 16's, birthday's and corporate events. Maria also offers cooking classes and has been showcased on CBS News and Fox News.
“With the help of the Institute, Mía’s Cocína was born and I was able to prepare my food and sell it at the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival! I had an unbelievably successful weekend and realized this was exactly what I needed to continue doing. The Institute for Rural Vitality has supported me and my business venture every step of the way.”
- Maria Bido
CBS News -La Cocina de Loisaida Cooking Class Series
The Center for Farm and Food Entrepreneurship
The Center for Farm and Food Entrepreneurship cultivates farm-centric and food-centric businesses to ensure the full and profitable use of the region’s considerable natural resources.
The Center for Community Advancement
The Center for Community Advancement promotes public-private partnerships that enhance the quality of life within and beyond the communities that surround the College. It coordinates student-driven community service and serves as a training hub and think tank for educational professionals.
Are you an agency or individual interested in partnering with the center? Contact us >>
The Center for Business Development
The Center for Business Development encourages new business development, job creation, and an enlivened local economy through collaborations between SUNY Cobleskill students, faculty, and staff and the surrounding non-profit and business communities.
Are you an agency or individual interested in partnering with the center? Contact us >>
The Center for Arts and Culture
The Center for Arts and Culture coordinates collaboration among the SUNY Cobleskill Arts and Humanities faculty and regional arts and cultural organizations to cultivate art and culture as drivers of economic development.
Are you an agency or individual interested in partnering with the center? Contact us >>
The Center for Rural Legal and Policy Services
In partnership with Albany Law School, the Center for Rural Legal and Policy Services focuses on the legal and policy issues that affect rural businesses and communities. It offers legal consultation, educational programming, and advocacy on behalf of rural constituents.
Are you interested in receiving legal consultation services? More information >>
USDA Agriculture Innovation Center
In 2021, the Institute was awarded funds to create an Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC), which will work in conjunction with the Farm and Food Business Incubator. The support offered to program participants will include value-added product and process development; market and value chain development; facilitation of public and private investment; and access to legal advice. Participants will have access and support in using existing and newly available incubator facilities operated by the Institute for Rural Vitality on the SUNY Cobleskill campus, including:
Leadership
Dr. Marion A. Terenzio, Institute Council Chair
Dr. Scott Ferguson, Executive Director
Dr. Tim Moore, Institute Council and Coordinator of the Centers for Farm & Food Entrepreneurship
and
for Business Development
Dr. Susan Zimmerman, Institute Council
Wendy Gilman, Institute Council
Contact the institute to inquire about collaboration, propose a project or request more information.
