Empire State University Graduates Second Ed.D. Cohort 

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Empire State University launched its inaugural Doctor of Education degree program in the fall of 2021. Now, five academic years later, it graduates its second cohort of Ed.D. students on Thursday, May 28. 

Read on to learn more about the program’s spring 2026 graduates, who—in their own words—share the most valuable lessons and skills they learned. 

Meet the Cohort: 

Donelle Bailey

Hometown: Antigua

“Throughout my academic journey here at SUNY Empire, the most valuable skill and lesson learned is persistence. This doctoral degree has challenged me for the better and through my unwavering persistence, I was able to accomplish my goal.” 

Kristin Bennett

Hometown: Christ Church, Barbados

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned throughout my Ed.D. journey was the importance of community. As someone who works well independently, I expected this experience to feel isolating, especially after often hearing that doctoral work is a ‘lonely’ journey. However, this program proved the opposite. The encouragement, support, and shared experiences of both the faculty and my cohort members were essential to my success. I would not have reached this milestone without that sense of connection, and I am deeply grateful to have learned the true power of community alongside such incredible people throughout this journey.”

Nicole Davis

Hometown: Andover, NY

“Completing this degree allowed me to build my skills in leadership and management within the higher education system. I feel competent to lead my department and advocate for my faculty members.”

Karen Dybus

Hometown: Huntington Station, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned is that with the will, desire, and drive, you can achieve anything at any age. This journey strengthened my confidence in who I am and the leader I am becoming, while reminding me to stay humble and open to learning from others. Now, as director of Student Health Services, I lead with that mindset—embracing growth, learning from missteps, and seeking guidance from those around me. During my most challenging moments, it was the encouragement of my cohort that carried me forward, reinforcing that resilience and community are essential to success.” 

Carrie Fishner

Hometown: Delhi, NY

“I think the most valuable lesson I learned as part of this program is there is no one right way to do this. Higher education is evolving at an incredible rate, and we, as leaders, need to be willing to be flexible and creative if we are going to be able to keep our institutions competitive and healthy.”

Cherrelle Hall

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

“As a higher education practitioner, I’ve learned that being truly effective requires cultivating a continuous improvement mindset. The higher education landscape is constantly shifting—often unpredictably—much like any other industry, and the ability to navigate that change is both essential and consequential. As a researcher, I’ve also come to understand the critical role of intersectionality and how deeply it shapes my work. It allows me to more fully examine the complex issues facing higher education and to design solutions that are equitable and responsive to diverse experiences.” 

Janna Lamey

Hometown: Dryden, NY

“The most valuable skill I gained was the confidence to express my ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Throughout my degree, I learned to articulate my perspectives—especially in writing—support them with evidence, and communicate my reasoning with clarity. That process strengthened my critical thinking abilities, pushing me to question assumptions, evaluate information more rigorously, and refine my viewpoints. Together, these skills now shape how I communicate and solve problems.”

Joshua Nelson

Hometown: Oneonta, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned while completing the Ed.D. program was recognizing the difference between institutional intention and lived student experience. My research explored how colleges communicate support and equity initiatives versus how those supports are actually experienced and implemented in practice. That process reinforced the importance of evidence-informed leadership and intentional systems design in creating meaningful and sustainable change for students, particularly those navigating significant barriers to higher education.”

James Parise

Hometown: Massapequa, NY

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned while completing the Ed.D. program was the importance of perseverance and self-growth. Through the support of colleagues and staff, I developed stronger leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. More importantly, the program taught me how much can be accomplished through hard work, resilience, and dedication.”

Diane Perillo

Hometown: Sayville, NY

“I learned how to approach data differently. It is important to use data but learning how to leverage the different insights it can provide can truly make a difference. It is also important to understand the ‘why’ behind the data collection; this will yield better results.”

Ashley Perrone

Hometown: Medford, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned in this program is to believe in myself and my abilities. I’ve always struggled with my self-confidence, especially when it comes to academics. This program and its faculty members helped me realize that I have a lot to offer and have great ideas. I remember in a meeting with my dissertation chair, he called me a ‘brilliant quantitative researcher’ and I was floored! Moving forward, this Ed.D. program has taught me that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for, and I am ready to tackle whatever comes next!”

Eric Rivera

Hometown: Bronx, NY

“Always know when it is time to ask for help!”

Note: Kristen Kagan, not pictured, is also a member of this second graduating cohort.  

Commencement Corner: Elahni Ocean, Spring 2026 Graduate 

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Meet our soon-to-be-alumni, in their own words. This series spotlights graduates on their way to cross the stage. Discover what they’re proudest of, and what comes next.  

What was your major here at SUNY Empire? 

I majored in business, management, and economics.

What was your favorite class, and why? 

My favorite class was Mental Health and Law because it opened my eyes to the connection between the legal system, mental health, and the impact both have on individuals and families. It deepened my passion for helping others and influenced the direction I want to take in my future career.

What did taking online classes teach you about yourself? 

Taking online classes taught me that I am far more disciplined and resilient than I ever realized. I was initially worried about balancing full-time military service, motherhood, pregnancy, school, and everyday family responsibilities. However, I learned that with faith, determination, tunnel vision, and the support of my family, I am capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to.

What does becoming an alumna of SUNY Empire mean to you? 

Becoming a SUNY Empire alumna means everything to me. It represents overcoming years of starting and stopping, moments of self-doubt, and challenges that made completing my degree feel out of reach. Earning this degree is proof that persistence pays off, and it has become the stepping stone toward achieving even greater goals in my personal and professional life.

If you had to offer one piece of advice to future students, what would it be? 

Don’t let fear stop you, and don’t let doubt cloud your thinking. Once you push past those hurdles, you’ll realize your goals are much closer than they seem. Stay focused, trust yourself, and keep moving forward even when the journey feels difficult.

What are your future plans? 

My future plans include beginning my master’s degree in mental health counseling to combine my background in business, HR, and military service to better support service members and their families from a mental health perspective. I also hope to work with organizations to strengthen employee morale, improve workplace culture, and help develop leadership strategies that create stronger, healthier, and more mission-focused teams.

Meet Tatiana Spikes, ABA Program Graduate 

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When Tatiana Spikes decided to pursue a master’s degree at Empire State University, it felt like the natural next step in her budding behavior analysis career. Still, the Denver resident had her concerns about what a graduate program would be like.  

“I was always kind of terrified that it would be this harsh, straightforward ‘We’re not here to be your friend’ kind of deal. But it was the complete opposite, which was amazing,” she says. “If I could put it into words, it’d be like having a giant hug the entire time.”  

It’s with that support that Spikes has just completed her master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA). Spikes, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, says she chose SUNY Empire’s ABA program after the institution “kept popping up everywhere” in her grad school research. The university was also recommended to her by a coworker.  

“The number one thing that really sold me was the fact that SUNY Empire had such an affirmative and inclusive message,” she says. “That was really important to me especially because, one, [my husband is in the] military, so I move around all the time. And two, I have ADHD. It was good to know that people who are teaching me also understand me and can accommodate.”  

While enrolled, Spikes juggled her classes alongside a full-time position as a registered behavior technician—a job she’s held for the last five years. She also contended with medical issues, which occasionally impacted her schoolwork. Through it all, though, Spikes stayed the course with an assist from faculty.  

“Just being able to communicate with my professors and them being so kind and caring made all the difference,” she says.  

Now that her grad program is behind her, Spikes is focusing on completing the hours required to sit for the board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) exam. She’s also reflecting on her time at SUNY Empire and offers future students this piece of advice:   

“Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace, communicate, and remember that everyone’s rooting for you,” Spikes says. “Nobody wants you to fall behind; they want you to do as best as you can.” 

Commencement Corner: LaRoy Nelson, Spring 2026 Graduate

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Meet our soon-to-be-alumni, in their own words. This series spotlights graduates on their way to cross the stage. Discover what they’re proudest of, and what comes next.   

What is your major here at SUNY Empire?

My major at SUNY Empire is addiction studies—a field that’s not just academic for me, but deeply personal and connected to the work I do every day. I support individuals who are fighting to rebuild their lives, and this degree has helped me better understand how to walk alongside them in that process.

What was your favorite class, and why?

Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Counseling stood out the most. Every lesson connected directly to what I see in the real-world: people struggling, relapsing, trying again, and not giving up. This class didn’t just teach theory; it sharpened how I show up for my clients. It gave me tools, perspective, and a deeper sense of responsibility to do this work the right way.

What kept you motivated as you worked toward your degree?

It wasn’t motivation; it was discipline. As an Army veteran, discipline is something I rely on. I’m also a single father raising a teenager, working full time as a program manager for a transitional housing program, and running my own business. Life doesn’t slow down just because you have assignments due. There were nights I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and still had to log in and get the work done. Discipline meant showing up anyway. That’s what carried me through.

What is your go-to snack for study sessions?

Coffee, no question. Coffee got me through a lot of long nights. And when I really needed that extra push, I’d grab some Skittles and keep going.

What does becoming an alum of SUNY Empire mean to you?

It means everything. This degree represents years of starting over, not giving up, and finally finishing what I began. It represents the late nights, the pressure, the sacrifices, and pushing through all of it. But more than that, it’s about legacy. As a father, I wanted my son to see that no matter how hard life gets, you don’t quit. Now I can look at him and say, “I did this and you can too.”

What are your future plans?

This fall, I’m starting my MSW program with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I want to continue growing, continue leading, and continue showing up for people who feel like they’ve run out of chances. I’ve seen firsthand both in my work and in my own journey that change is possible when someone refuses to give up.

Commencement Corner: Brittany Stansfield, Spring 2026 Graduate 

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Meet our soon-to-be-alumni, in their own words. This series spotlights graduates on their way to cross the stage. Discover what they’re proudest of, and what comes next. 

What is your major here at SUNY Empire? 

I am graduating with my master’s in applied behavior analysis (ABA). 

What was your favorite class at SUNY Empire, and why? 

My favorite class at SUNY Empire was Ethics in ABA. The BACB Code of Ethics is really important and something I need to know 100% every day in my career, so it was very informative. I also loved the content and the way the course was run. We went over different case studies every week that challenged me to dissect the ethical wrongdoings in the case and what ethical codes were violated. It was a lot of fun. 

What is the most valuable skill you learned while earning your degree? 

This is going to sound silly, but honestly, the most valuable skill I learned while earning this degree is managing my time and professional/personal aspects of my life. I started my degree with a newborn and managed to earn it while helping her grow and working full time. It was no easy task, but well worth it! 

What does becoming an alum of Empire State University mean to you? 

Becoming an alum of SUNY Empire means carrying the lessons, experiences, and most importantly relationships from my program into the next steps of my personal life and career. It also means becoming a larger part of a professional community that values learning, leadership, and service. As an alum, I hope to use the knowledge and skills I gained to make a powerful impact in my field while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Most importantly, becoming an alum is a big reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to new opportunities. 

If you could give a shoutout to someone who supported you throughout your academic career, who would it be and why? 

Dr. Noor Syed, hands down. Dr. Syed was my advisor as well as an instructor for some of my courses. She didn’t just celebrate me in my highest moments; she lifted me up and supported me in my lowest as well. Dr. Syed truly showed me what it was like to have someone in your corner at all times, and I am forever thankful for her! 

What are your future plans? 

My future plans include becoming a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst and continuing to work for the organization where I started out as a behavior technician. When the time is right, the future may also include a doctoral degree! 

SUNY Empire Spotlight: April 2026

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The latest news on research efforts, awards, grants, and media appearances from Empire State University faculty, staff, and leadership.       

Desiree Drindak, director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center, received the Chancellor’s Certificate of Meritorious Service for her exemplary support of veterans, service members, and military families. 

Heather Horowitz, assistant professor, and Digital Accessibility & Multilingual Technology Coordinator Pam Doran co-authored an article titled “Paddling Without a Map: The Unstructured Rise of AI Literacy in Internet-Enabled Higher Education.” 

Ian Reifowitz, SUNY distinguished professor, appeared on the Brazilian TV news program Cultura to discuss the President’s messaging on the fighting between the U.S. and Iran. 

Gayle Stever, professor, was quoted in an article by The Telegraph. She was also interviewed about parasocial relationships on an episode of the Trauma & Mental Health Report podcast. 

Noor Syed, associate professor and director of CAARES, was featured in an article by Authority Magazine.  

Cathryn Thurston, associate professor, spoke with Political Pulse about the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. She also appeared on Look This Week.  

President Lisa Vollendorf appeared on an episode of the EdUp Experience podcast. 

A Passion for the Planet: John L. Turner ’85

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John L. Turner ’85 has spent a lifetime protecting and preserving nature on Long Island. He became a birdwatcher as a child, joined his high school’s environmental club, and at 18, co-founded the Long Island Pine Barrens Society. The organization went on to spearhead the passing of New York’s landmark 1993 Pine Barrens Protection Act, which preserves over 100,000 acres in Suffolk County. 

His latest battle? Skip the Stuff, a bill proposed by NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay that would make it illegal for restaurants to toss plastic utensils into takeout meals without a customer asking for them. 

Turner, who has a B.S. from SUNY Empire in environmental science, also works part-time as a conservation policy advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association. As the conservation co-chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, he leads annual nighthawk watches during migration season in the late summer and early fall.

In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, we spoke to Turner about his career, his writings, and what we all need to do to protect our planet. 

What inspired you to become an environmental advocate?

I had two spark moments. The first happened when I was 5 or 6 and living in Smithtown, NY. It was snowing, my dad had just stocked the feeders, and there were bluejays, cardinals, chickadees, and titmice. Suddenly, this flock of yellow and black birds swooped in. They were evening grosbeaks. It was a living rainbow. And I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I love birds,’ and I’ve been a birder ever since. 

The other moment happened when I was about 9. I was playing stick ball when my brother crushed a ball into the oak woods. I went looking for the ball and came across several dozen pink lady slippers. I was blown away by this exotic looking plant with its pendulous sack and the beautiful deep pink color. And I said, the heck with going after the ball. I was more interested in this plant.

What are your three proudest moments?

Well, the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act is one. It was a five-year David and Goliath battle that began when we filed a major lawsuit to block development. When we finally won, it made a profound impact on protecting the flora and fauna of Long Island, as well as the groundwater system underneath.
 
In the mid-1980s, I worked for Defenders of Wildlife, and we helped the state government pass the Wild Bird Conservation Act, which bans the import of wild birds like parrots and parakeets. New York passed its law in 1985, which led to the passage of federal law in 1992.

I also played a leading role in preserving what was left of the Oak Brush Plains on the western end of Long Island. We were able to retain it and transfer it to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as a state preserve where you can now enjoy hiking and other recreational activities. 

How do you convince people that the environment matters? 

I’m a firm believer in ripples from a pond. If you expect people to want to protect something, they have to know about it, right? 

I’ve written two books: a children’s book called “Waylon’s Wandering Waterdrop,” which teaches kids about the lifecycle of water, and “Exploring the Other Island: A Seasonal Guide to Nature on Long Island.”
 
In addition, I write a monthly column about nature in the Times Beacon Record, lead nature walks, and appear on WUSB, the Stonybrook University radio station to talk about the environment. It’s all about public education and protecting the planet. 

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” What can people do to take back our power and preserve our planet?

They should reflect on their lifestyle and try to live as lightly as they can. I recommend recycling, composting, and growing native species of plants that attract local pollinators and support the local ecosystem. 

I also encourage people to get involved in the political process. If you care about the environment, pick an issue. Once you learn about that issue, you become the real expert. And if you have passion and meet with your elected officials with a specific ask, you’d be amazed at what you can achieve.

Other than recycling, composting, and growing native plants, do you do anything special?

I have 26 solar panels on my roof. I also pick up aluminum on the road and turn it in for scrap metal. Then I use the money to buy window stickers so birds don’t fly into glass they can’t see.

Four Empire State University Students Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award 

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Four Empire State University students have been selected as recipients of the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Lenti Aier, Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim, Jessica Nivens, and Christol Wright will be recognized during a ceremony at the Albany Capital Center on April 27.  

The highest honor granted to a SUNY student, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award celebrates students with exemplary achievements in academics, leadership, civics and service, or performing arts, among other areas.  

“We are so proud of these extraordinary SUNY Empire students for all they have accomplished at the university and beyond,” said Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf. “Their deep commitment to service is already making a meaningful impact in our communities. I look forward to seeing their many achievements still to come.” 

About the Winners: 

Lenti Aier

Lenti Aier

Lenti Aier is working toward her master’s in applied behavior analysis. This will be the second graduate-level degree for the Red Hook, NY, resident, who also has a master’s in psychology from a university in India.  

“I am passionate in my line of work and learning being a lifelong journey, I wanted to excel and grow in my profession,” she says of continuing her education. 

Outside of her studies, Aier devotes time to her service-focused nonprofit, Act of Kindness Society, which she has helmed as founder and president since 2015.  She also takes on volunteer work and is the winner of a 2025 Bluebird Award: a SUNY Empire honor that recognizes volunteerism, community building, and leadership. 

Aier’s latest accolade, the SUNY Chancellor’s Award, has come as a surprise, she says.  

“This recognition means a great deal to me, not only as an acknowledgment of the hard work I’ve put in, but also as a reminder that the effort we invest today can create a meaningful ripple effect in the future,” says Aier, who will graduate in May. “It brings me a deep sense of joy and fulfilment, while also inspiring me to continue growing, giving back, and nurturing the passions and commitments that brought me to this point.” 

Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim

Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim

 Muhammad Amirul Islam Fahim will graduate with his master’s in applied behavior analysis this fall.  He previously earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at a university in Bangladesh.  

“I was inspired to pursue a college degree because I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities,” says Fahim, who aims to become a board-certified behavior analyst. “Working in this field has shown me how powerful evidence-based interventions can be and has made me realize the importance of advanced training and education.” 

In addition to his role as a student, Fahim serves as a residential program specialist at Anderson Center for Autism. The Poughkeepsie resident is also certified as an instructor for Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention (SCIP-R) by the state’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Beyond his professional obligations, he has participated in SUNY Empire’s Student Government Association and book club, among other extracurriculars.  

Fahim says he feels “deeply honored and grateful” for his Chancellor’s Award win, and credits his professors and the university for the support he says “made this achievement possible.” 

“It is rewarding to see my time, effort, and commitment to my studies and professional growth acknowledged at such a prestigious level,” he says. 

Jessica Nivens

Jessica Nivens 

On track to graduate in May, Jessica Nivens is pursuing her bachelor’s in addiction studies. The degree complements her professional experience, which includes work as a credentialed recovery peer advocate, a certified addiction recovery coach, and a certified peer specialist.  

“My motivation [to enroll at SUNY Empire] came from both my personal and professional journey. I’ve seen firsthand how substance use and mental health challenges impact individuals, families, and communities,” the Schenectady resident says. “At a certain point, I realized that lived experience alone wasn’t enough—I wanted to deepen my knowledge and strengthen the work I was already doing.” 

When she’s not in class, Nivens—a mother of five—serves as treasurer of SUNY Empire’s criminal justice club. She also works as the prevention director at New Choices Recovery Center and runs Strive18, where she specializes in financial literacy coaching for underserved populations. 

For Nivens, receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award “was both humbling and affirming,” she says. 

“This recognition represents more than academic achievement—it reflects the journey, resilience, and purpose that brought me here,” she says. “It motivates me to continue showing up, leading with intention, and creating meaningful change in the communities I serve.” 

Christol Wright 

Christol Wright recently completed her master’s in social and public policy. It is the second degree the Rochester resident has undertaken at SUNY Empire, which awarded her a bachelor’s in community and human services in 2009.  

“Attending SUNY Empire has been one of the greatest rewards of my life,” says Wright, who obtained associate degrees in addictions counseling and human services prior to enrolling at the online university. “Earning two degrees from this college has affirmed that I made the right decision to pursue higher education.” 

While at SUNY Empire, Wright participated in the Empire State Service Corps program, working with the university’s Office of Health and Wellness to provide resources to students experiencing food insecurity. She was also employed as both a substance abuse counselor and an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative.  

Wright, who has been accepted to an MSW program, says that winning the Chancellor’s Award reflects her hard work and dedication. 

“This recognition motivates me to continue striving to uphold professionalism, as well as strong ethical and moral integrity, both as a student and as a member of my community,” Wright says. “It also inspires me to keep supporting and uplifting others.” 

Behind the Scenes with the Office of Human Resources

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Recruitment. Onboarding. Payroll. Benefits. These are just a few things that the Office of Human Resources manages for employees across Empire State University. Here, Director Lindsay Holcomb, HR Business Partner Christine Mansell, and Assistant to the Vice President Rebecca Monaghan offer a look at the team behind the work.  

How would you describe what your office contributes to the university?

Monaghan: It’s a funny question to answer because I think there’s a general understanding of benefits, payroll, employee relations, and the ways that we interact with other departments. But what I have realized coming from another department and into human resources about a year ago is just the depth of everything else—the life cycle of an employee that we touch from recruitment and onboarding to training and development to benefits, payroll, and compensation. Then there’s workforce development and how we serve our employees to serve the institution and our students. It has been incredible to experience our team navigating all those intricacies over the last year. I’m really impressed as someone that didn’t start in HR, so I always love to shout out our team and the amazing work they’re doing. 

Holcomb: I think from the outside looking in, it looks like we just process a lot of information. But there is a lot more to that in terms of, like Rebecca said, the life cycle of an employee and what is involved in that. It’s also the conversations we have with faculty, staff, supervisors, and leadership, whether it’s getting something off the ground, implementing something, or helping an employee through something. There’s a lot of different pieces to what each of us do that make up the team and the department.  

Mansell: We’re serving the employees who serve the students, and that’s the end goal of our mission here. We’re working in the background to keep things moving from beginning to end of employee life cycles, but also I think from my experience in HR in different companies and then in the university, there’s just so much that HR touches. There’s a lot going on that maybe people don’t see, but we’re involved in many different projects throughout the university. 

Why human resources? What made you want to do this work?

Mansell: I kind of stumbled into human resources. I didn’t know what it was at all because I was originally a teacher. That was my first career for a couple of years, and then I worked in marketing and slowly got into HR. I think what I liked was helping people, and there were actually a lot of skills that I used in teaching that related to human resources. You’re helping to run a company versus a classroom, but they’re so similar in many ways.  

Holcomb: I also fell into human resources several years ago. I initially was going to be a high school history teacher. I decided I didn’t want to do that, but I wanted to still work with people. For me, it’s about having a direct impact on people’s experiences at work. A lot of the time, we’re supporting them through difficult situations or we’re helping them solve a problem. The focus is to help and support the employee or the supervisor so you can ultimately help and support the institution or the organization that you’re working for. That’s why I’ve continued to stay with human resources. 

Monaghan: My background is in administrative support work. I like to know how things function. I like to know how I can connect the dots and make one thing work and how we can change it and improve it. I’m doing my master’s in organizational psychology right now with a focus on personnel and HR, and a lot of that has to do with what motivates our employees. What do they need in order to function well? What do they expect from their institution? The part of my brain that likes to organize things and know how they work meshes really well with the part of my brain that cares about people and wants to make things work smoothly. And that aligns really well in the office of HR. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

Holcomb: No day is the same. You might have similar conversations, but they’re never with the same people. I talk a lot to employees and supervisors trying to work through a concern the employee has or a concern the supervisor has. I try to help each side through it. My day is filled with a lot of union-related matters, but also I oversee payroll, benefits, recruitment, and performance management, so I get a little piece of those each day from the teams that support them.  

Mansell: I think every day is different. Especially after being here a year and a half, I’m still learning new things. This is my first job in higher ed. Previously I worked in the software industry, so this has been a whole new learning experience for me. This role is also a new one for the university, so it’s been growing and evolving since I started here and that keeps it interesting as well. A typical day would consist of update meetings with different individuals. I work on a lot of different projects and strategic initiatives. I’ve been partnering with searches and onboarding orientations, helping out with different work groups for different initiatives.  

Monaghan: A lot of my work is very project-based as well. So I help when we’re trying to implement a new system or transition information. I work with various teams and partnerships on anything we’re trying to get off the ground to make things easier for our employees. My work also supports Sharon Butler as our VP, so I’m navigating her schedule and making sure she has what she needs to be effective. As much as I can, I make sure her day goes smoothly and that this team has what they need in order to be successful. 

What’s one resource, service, or initiative you wish more people knew about?

Mansell: I think in my role it’s just that I’m here. I’m a resource. I’m branching out and getting involved in projects throughout the university, such as the pilot program that we launched for higher-level searches. We’re working on higher-level orientations and overall onboarding for the university. If there are any strategic initiatives that supervisors may have in mind, HR ideas, or even issues they’d like to discuss, I’m here. 

Holcomb: We’ve spent and are spending a lot of time reviewing our current processes and working to streamline them and make them more efficient—not necessarily for us, but for the rest of the institution. For instance, how much more quickly can we get the process flow working for Interview Exchange, or onboarding or recruitment? We’ve had a lot of conversations over the last year, and we’ve started working on overhauling these types of processes so we can do them better and more efficiently. 

Monaghan: We put out as much as we can—opportunities for folks to engage with us, ask questions, and provide insights into what they’re experiencing so that we can make the appropriate improvements to various processes. What people will see a lot in our bimonthly communication from the Office of HR are times to sign up to talk to Benefits if they’ve got questions, or to chat with Sharon or Lindsay about performance management. We’re also going to start inviting folks to sign up for career coaching to work on their own professional development. So as people see those opportunities pop up in either their email or on Teams, I really want people to grab onto them and sign up. It’s 15 or 30 minutes to get the conversation started so that we can improve their experience as employees. 

What’s something you love about your job?

Holcomb: Our team and those relationships that have been built outside of the HR team—the challenges and the connections made on a daily basis. Also, being able to see, and to be a part of, the university’s growth and transformation over time.  

Monaghan: I really love how curious this team and this institution are. I think that as an online, state institution, we’re providing something really unique to the state of New York and to its online learners. The work that gets done every day at SUNY Empire is really intentional and creative, so I love being a part of it. This team is doing their utmost to think outside the box and to make things better in situations where there isn’t always a right or an easy answer. Being a part of a team and a community that’s trying really hard every day to do good work for a good reason feels awesome.  

Mansell: Of course I’ll agree with the team part. I think that has made my role more enjoyable since I started here, just being able to rely on a team that is always there if I have a question. I’ve really appreciated that community. Also, I’m comfortable working in an environment that’s growing and changing. I think we’re very innovative here at SUNY Empire, and I’ve always been drawn to those types of work environments. I like that we’re trying new things and we’re always thinking, we’re always changing. It’s a fun time to be here for sure. 

CAARES Helps Launch New Training to Support Neurodivergent SUNY Students 

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The Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES) strives to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent people at Empire State University. Now, thanks to a new collaboration, the organization has an opportunity to expand its reach to students throughout the SUNY system.  

CAARES has partnered with Universal Design for Learning at SUNY and the SUNY Center for Professional Development on creating a system-wide training that will help faculty, staff, and student leaders better support neurodivergent individuals on their campuses. The asynchronous, online program—titled “Supporting Neurodiversity Across SUNY: Practical Strategies for Our Campus Communities”—will cover topics such as digital accessibility standards, legal frameworks, and supporting neurodivergent students in both classrooms and residence halls.

“The vision is to make a more inclusive SUNY—a SUNY that is better prepared to meet neurodivergent students where they are,” says Aley O’Mara, CAARES program associate and training coordinator. “Research has shown that while more Autistic students are going to college, there’s also still a pretty high drop-off rate for neurodivergent students, which definitely affects attrition across all institutions of higher education. If we can build experiences that are more intentional in meeting the needs and supporting the talents of neurodivergent students, that will be a benefit to students and workers as well.” 

The training, which also features work from experts at Buffalo State University, will be officially launched on April 30. To mark the occasion, SUNY is hosting a kick-off event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. that day. Attendees can expect a keynote talk from Dave Thompson, visiting scholar and program manager at Vanderbilt University’s Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, and an expert panel featuring O’Mara and other speakers. The event will also include a demonstration of the training, which O’Mara says has been a few months in the making.  

“It is a practical training that is research-based and based in the lived experience of neurodivergent people like myself,” O’Mara adds. “Everybody who takes the training is really getting the best of both worlds. [It will] help everybody who’s in a position of leadership build their confidence, competence, and compassion in creating a student experience that everybody can benefit from.”