The State University of New York Board of Trustees announced Tuesday a new name for the recently merged SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) and SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNYIT).

The two academic universities will be known as the SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

The new moniker unifies the Albany and Utica/Rome campuses and reflects the expanded academic programs and opportunities available to students.

"This is so much more than a new name," SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said in a statement. "It is a celebration of a new cutting-edge SUNY campus with statewide reach, and it has incredible relevance to New York State residents, students, researchers, and employers. Under the continued leadership and vision of Dr. Kaloyeros, SUNY Poly will provide an unmatched educational experience for students and further enable SUNY's capacity to drive workforce development across a number of high tech industries."

SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman H. Carl McCall said SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a fitting name for the high tech capabilities and unique educational programs the institute will offer as it drives unparalleled business growth and job creation across New York state.

"The Students, faculty, and staff at SUNY poly are going to continue to build on New York's national and international leadership in the global economy's most competitive industries," McCall said.

Last March, the SUNY Board of Trustees unanimously approved Zimpher's recommendation to merge CNSE and SUNYIT, As a result of the merger, students will have access to the full array of courses and academic and professional development opportunities offered at both SUNY Poly campuses, while creating a career-ready workforce that will help attract and retain high-tech companies in the state.

"SUNY Poly will further advance and expand upon the cutting edge academic, research, and development programs CNSE and SUNYIT have become synonymous with by leveraging the wealth of expertise and resources available at both campuses," Dr. Robert Geer, senior vice president and chief operating officer of SUNY Poly, said in a statement. "The name SUNY Polytechnic Institute demonstrates an unrivaled array of educational programs and opportunities available to students and faculty, as well as our continued commitment to high-tech innovation, job training, and economic development in the 21st century global economy."

In addition to maintaining all current SUNY Poly programs and faculty, the merger will also enable significant expansion of current disciplines and initiatives.