As a first-gen college graduate pursuing her Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD), Karina Pleitez is building on her own educational journey to inspire future generations while making a greater impact on the students she serves today.
For Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) alum Cassandra McCormack ’26, Brockport’s flexible online program made it possible to further her education while balancing the demands of work and family.
While pursuing her master’s degree in English Adolescence Education at SUNY Brockport, Angela Purtell ’21/’24 gained the skills and confidence to launch a successful teaching career.
A New Lens on Fashion, Connecting History, Culture, and Sustainability
A well-established career does not hinder the opportunity for more learning. Christie Cheung’s desire to broaden her perspective on the fashion industry led her to seek a master’s degree in liberal studies.
Called to Athletic Training from personal experience, Kaitlyn Bjelko ’26 embraces research and hands-on opportunities that open up a variety of career paths.
Once a banker, Colin Pierce ’12 used his finance skills and his MSEd & CAS in Educational Administration: School District Business Leader to move into an assistant superintendent position within a school district.
School Building Leader/School District Leader graduate Randall Yu ’22 transformed his experience as a teacher into a path toward leadership, using the skills gained through Brockport’s program to support students and families as a principal.
Master of Science in Environmental Science and Ecology graduate Kyle Morton ’22 used hands-on research at Brockport to launch a career in conservation, studying lake sturgeon and protecting native species across the Great Lakes region.
By pushing herself to explore the many aspects of her field while in our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, Kimberly Flynn ’22 unlocked a new career trajectory.
Master of Public Administration graduate, John Sullivan ’21/’23, envisioned a career close to home, but an internship in Westchester County, NY, led him to settle there and build a career in municipal leadership.
Master of Arts in History student Fiona Stockdale ’24 shares how award-winning research, meaningful faculty mentorship, and her Brockport experience shaped her path toward a PhD in History.
Master of Social Work graduate Anthony (Tony) Tepedino ’24 used his graduate education to transition into a career as a Clinical Therapist, gaining the experience needed to support future clients through life’s challenges.
Higher Education Administration graduate Madi Hiddie ’22 turned her passion for supporting students into a career at Brockport, where she serves as an Experiential Learning Program Coordinator.
Lifelong learning led Andy Mihans ’27 to pursue a Master of Science in Instructional Design, discovering new strategies to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners while reigniting his passion for education.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student, Dr. Aishia Wall, created a behavioral screening tool to identify men at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and connect them with treatment.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate Rachael Tabelski ’08 serves as the City Manager for the City of Batavia, New York, where she applies the knowledge, skills, and tools she developed through her graduate education.
Through hands-on learning experiences and a supportive community, Master of Science in Education in School Counseling (K–12) student Zoe White ’26 is gaining the knowledge and confidence to pursue a rewarding career as a school counselor.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) alum Danielle Pierleoni ’15 has built a successful career in fundraising and community engagement, earning recognition as a 2025 Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree.
As an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Graduate Counselor, Marquis Larmond ’24/’26, who earned a Master of Physical Education, uses his own experiences to guide and support students as they navigate college life and pursue success.
By embracing new opportunities, Master’s degree in Literacy Education (B-12) alum Noelle Hale ’25 has gained the skills, confidence and experiences needed to inspire students and make a lasting impact in education.
While earning her master’s degree in Liberal Studies, Olivia Metz ’24/’26 transformed her lifelong passion for photography into a powerful storytelling tool.
Master of Science in College Student Affairs and Development (CSAD) student interns at the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities supporting national disability policy and advocacy initiatives.
Master’s in Athletic Administration student, Jalen Carthens, spent his summer managing a network of sports teams at a NYC charter school and assisting with a youth basketball camp alongside New York Knicks legends.
ENGLISH (MA) From their undergraduate to graduate career here at Brockport, Tristan Buck-Tomaselli has been able to appreciate the diversity that Brockport offers in its students and staff, as well as the opportunities, which have helped them grow and discover their passion for teaching writing and for Brockport itself.
Through the Master of Public Health program, Nicole Parkison ’25 has gained valuable real-world experience through her internship, research opportunities, and campus involvement — including helping launch Brockport’s first-ever Careers in Public Health Conference.
TEACHING ENGISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES, TESOL (MSEd) The deep desire to serve and care for others has led Lauren Pérez to a rewarding career teaching English to multilingual learners.
SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS LEADER (CAS): Seeing parts of the organization that she had limited knowledge about through experiential learning, Tiffany Torres is now part of conversations that will make an impact.
HISTORY (MA): The study of history is much more than learning about events of the past. For Stephanie Drew it’s about interpreting and understanding historical evidence to create one of many historical narratives.
Timothy Guillemette utilizes the knowledge he’s learned in the MPA program to meet the needs of the Greater Rochester community.
SOCIAL WORK (MSW): An Army ROTC cadet who is getting ready to be commissioned as an officer, Jose Santiago plans to stand up for the silenced voices within the armed forces.
SOCIAL WORK (MSW): With her professors’ guidance and field experience, Ashley Singletary became the best version of herself — advocate, and leader.
SOCIAL WORK (MSW): A future clinician, Lydia McCarthy chose an internship that gives her experience in assessment, case management, therapeutic intervention, process group work, and crisis support.
HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION (MSEd): Passionate about her work, Christina Mortellaro makes a difference by providing direct support for students and building genuine relationships with colleagues.
BIOLOGY (MS): Three things led Brittany Heatherington to a career she loves — integrity, drive, and collaboration.
PUBLIC HEALTH (MPH): Centering her projects and research around areas where she had an interest, Aimee Albright made getting her MPH work for her.
ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION (MSEd): Matthew Halloran discusses how his time at SUNY Brockport formed him into the educator he is today at Victor Central School District.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ECOLOGY (MS): A connection to the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program at Brockport gave Sarah Humiston countless opportunities for research and much more.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & ECOLOGY (MS): Sharing his research results and experience with professionals in the scientific community at conferences has allowed Jarrod Ludwig to make a real contribution to his field, and it has opened doors to future opportunities.
HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION (MSEd): The courses, connections, and opportunities in his graduate degree program set Justin Techmanski up for success, fueling his desire to serve students to a new level.
DANCE (MFA): A sense of community and a learning environment that would not only challenge her physically but intellectually drew Jocelyn Schimpf to the graduate dance program.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (MPA): Fulfilling her goal of doing something that matters, Lyndsay Ward is making it a reality as an advocate.
SCHOOL COUNSELING (MSEd): With the desire and drive to go for his dream, Kaleem Mogent is making a difference in the lives of the students he counsels.
Recent News
As a first-gen college graduate pursuing her Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD), Karina Pleitez is building on her own educational journey to inspire future generations while making a greater impact on the students she serves today.
For Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) alum Cassandra McCormack ’26, Brockport’s flexible online program made it possible to further her education while balancing the demands of work and family.
While pursuing her master’s degree in English Adolescence Education at SUNY Brockport, Angela Purtell ’21/’24 gained the skills and confidence to launch a successful teaching career.