Dual Roles: SUNY Empire Employees Who Are Also SUNY Empire Alumni

Empire State University empowers learners from all walks of life to achieve their educational and professional goals. Sometimes, those learners are right here at SUNY Empire! Whether they gained employment at the university after graduating or were employees prior to enrolling, many of your colleagues earned their degree at SUNY Empire and work hard every day to help other students do the same. Here are just a few! 

Quran Bell ’21, ’23  

Student Success Coordinator 

Rochester 

“I was a student before working here. I earned my bachelor’s degree in cultural studies with a concentration in communications and media, and then I pursued my master’s in social and public policy. During that time, I worked as a federal work study in the Office of Enrollment with Enrollment and Partnership Outreach Officer Laura Jezik helping with recruitment efforts. I also joined the student government where I worked as their communications director and was a PRODiG scholar, which prepped students like me for work in higher education. My experiences with new and continuing students, along with the opportunities I was given to network with faculty and professional staff lit a fire in me and I knew I wanted to work here.  

While my experience as a student and alum was amazing, I was hyperaware that there weren't many faces that looked like mine among faculty and staff. I wanted the opportunity to not only help students and share my knowledge and experience but also be ‘that person’ for the next woman of color who came to study here. I work with amazing coworkers and colleagues who are all equally committed to serving our students and making a difference. We have such amazing students and I'm often inspired by how they strive to overcome the most egregious circumstances to get their degree. It's the most rewarding work I've ever done.” 

Anita Brown ’12, ’15  

Career Development Coordinator 

Saratoga Springs  

“After my oldest daughter graduated from high school, I knew I needed to complete my bachelor’s. I did my research, and when I found that SUNY had a school that catered to adult learners, I decided to apply. When I completed my bachelor's degree at SUNY Empire in 2012, I knew I wanted to work here. I had been working at another institution’s career center for over 20 years and was looking for a change. Having worked with traditional college students for such a long time, I was drawn to an institution focused on adult learning. I started my position at SUNY Empire in November 2014, and to make myself more marketable, I decided to pursue my master’s in adult learning here. Long story short, it was my wonderful undergraduate experience that made me set my sights on coming here to work.” 

Timothy Cosgriff ’93 

Director of Community Events 

Rochester  

“I graduated in 1993 and went on to finish my master’s degree at Cornell and RIT. As an alum, I remained connected with SUNY Empire, often offering career and networking programs for students. Ken Cohen, professor emeritus and former dean, believed I would make a good candidate for the assistant to the dean position, and I was encouraged to apply. Working in higher education is a privilege because I can make a positive impact on the lives of people. It’s nice to know you are part of a solution.” 

Heather Gaebel '21

Administrative Assistant

Fort Drum

"I started working for the university several years ago at one of the smaller locations in the north country. My daughter, who was an engineering student at another university, encouraged me to go back and finish my degree which I had started so many years ago. I put my degree goal on hold to raise my family and I found myself in the shoes of many of the non-traditional SUNY Empire prospects that I had been speaking with on a daily basis since I began my career here.

While working full-time and having numerous college courses completed, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and decided it was time for me to obtain this goal. I chose SUNY Empire because of the flexibility, independent studies, credit for life experiences, and support offered to military-affiliated students. Being able to work so closely with my mentor at a smaller site after my workday was done was very appealing to me. Having this opportunity in front of me allowed me to complete my degree at the same time as my daughter.

I enjoy being part of the SUNY Empire community and helping our students complete their goals when they obtain their degrees. I love my job and many of my colleagues have become lifelong friends."

Cathy Hoff ’04, ’23  

Program Aide 

Saratoga Springs 

“I became a student after I began working at SUNY Empire. I went back to the workforce when my daughter was two years old and there was an opening at SUNY Empire. I began my career at the university as a temporary employee in the admissions office in 2000, then was hired as a keyboard specialist. I wanted a professional position in the admissions office, but an undergraduate degree was required. Senior Director of Admissions Jen D’Agostino was the person who cheered me on to finally finish my degree so I could interview for a professional position. I finished my degree in 2004 while working full time and raising my daughter. I had always planned to pursue my master’s degree and finally did it after my daughter moved across the country. I completed my M.A. in adult learning in a year and a half and graduated in April 2023. 

I enjoy helping students, and my career has always been on the academic side of the university in admissions, registrar’s office, and now with the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Having been a student who earned degrees while working full time and being a mom helps me understand what our students may be encountering during their educational journey.” 

Asia Moore ’22  

Empire State Opportunity Program Advisor  

Hartsdale 

“I was a student before becoming an employee at SUNY Empire. I wanted to earn my degree at SUNY Empire because I was a working mom and having the ability to achieve success from the comfort of my home and manage my 9-5 was important to me.  

I decided to work for SUNY Empire because of my positive experience as a student. Faculty and staff supported me, gave me a sense of community, and really cared about my educational experience. As an Empire State Opportunity Program (ESOP) advisor, I often collaborate with many departments, faculty, and staff to help students, and the consistency of a caring and supportive environment remains the same. I am proud to be an employee of Empire State University because I can help remove barriers for ‘nontraditional’ students in our opportunity programs with help and support from my fellow peers.” 

Brian Sherman ’17  

Military Outreach and Enrollment Supervisor 

Saratoga Springs 

“I was a student before my employment started with SUNY Empire. Prior to my employment, I worked in career development and recruiting for the New York Army National Guard, which closely aligns with my current position as the military outreach and enrollment supervisor for SUNY Empire. This institution is where education is a place of learning and sharing and it gives a voice to all. SUNY Empire staff, faculty, and students offer smiles, assistance, and a genuine concern for the success of learning, which is what made my decision to work with our veterans and military education office easy.” 

Stephanie Thomas ’04  

Business Analysis and Modeling Manager 

Saratoga Springs 

“I was an employee who became an alum. The desire to attain my bachelor’s degree was one of my top five life goals. While working at SUNY Empire, I directly witnessed the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of both the institution's educators and staff. This environment felt like a natural fit for me, aligning well with my goals and life. Anticipating the challenge ahead, I was fully prepared to embrace it with the support of my mentor and family. Undoubtedly, this journey stands as one of the crowning achievements of my life. The spirit of this institution is steadfast and I’m proud to say that the commitment and enthusiasm that I witnessed in my early days at SUNY Empire still exists today.”