The College of Saint Rose legacy will continue – at Siena College.

Siena got approval from the New York State Education Department to acquire one of the college’s most well-known programs.

Siena College’s communications team said the college is taking over Saint Rose’s Education Department for both the bachelors and master’s programs, they said. This includes early childhood and childhood education.

As NewsChannel 13 was first to report last fall, Saint Rose announced it would permanently close at the end of this semester.

Combining the Siena program with Saint Rose will position Siena as a regional leader in the education field for both the undergrad and graduate levels.

Siena Provost Margaret Madden said its education department had a good relationship with Saint Rose.

When news broke about the school’s closure, Siena was quick to jump on an opportunity.

“We know that teacher preparation is important, that there’s a teacher shortage,” said Madden. “This gives us an opportunity to develop a comprehensive program all the way from elementary through adolescence, and into the master’s level.”

Siena College hired three full-time faculty members from Saint Rose to join the college’s education department. Those faculty members will also be on track for tenure.

Hear from one of them as they discuss their hopes for the future, by watching the video of Tessa Bentulan’s story.