Hudson Valley Community College serves approximately 13,000 students each semester, and employs more than 630 full- and part-time faculty members. Currently the second-largest institution of higher learning in the Capital Region of New York State, Hudson Valley Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs through its three schools: Business and Liberal Arts; Health Sciences; and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Many degree and certificates are offered in an online or evening format. Founded in 1953, the college is sponsored by Rensselaer County and is one of 30 community colleges that are part of the State University of New York system. The college is governed by a 10-member Board of Trustees, which is appointed by the Governor (4), the Rensselaer County Legislature (5), and elected from among the student body (1).