At the heart of the College of Professional Studies is a mission rooted in access, inclusion, and unwavering support. With five years of dedicated service, Tekonbla Randy Wright, admissions and academic advisor, has become a cornerstone for students navigating the complexities of higher education. This Q&A offers a glimpse into the journey, the impact, and the philosophy that drives Wright’s work: that success doesn’t always move fast, but it always moves forward.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am currently the admissions and academic services advisor for part-time commuter students and an HEOP advisor.
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
We create educational access for the community while building an inclusive and supportive community for commuter part-time students.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
I coached a young lady who graduated high school in 2016. She looked up to me as “father-like” figure. She was a very ambitious and high character young lady. After several years at Syracuse University, she had to drop out after becoming pregnant and having two children. She was struggling to get back in the fold. I reached out to her to check in when she said she wanted to get back to school. I set an appointment with her and got her back in school and even supported her as she was able to get a job on campus.
During our meeting, the student shared how my years of coaching had impacted her personally. She also spoke about my influence in the community, my presence as a father balancing work and life, and the positive example I set for young adults.
After working at Syracuse for almost a year, she was encouraged to apply for a position in the commuter part-time studies department as the learning coordinator and assistant to the director of HEOP. She is now working with me and I’m advising her as she is finishing her degree. She has been a bright and positive energetic person to our office.
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
We meet students where they’re at. We have a population of non-traditional students that range from 18-75. We are sensitive to their needs and what barriers are in their lives. Supporting them with classes, tutoring, transportation, and ongoing guidance while navigating home and school is a priority to us.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
One day I was at the grocery store and ran into a student working at a bank that was housed in the store. Our staff had just met about her and not being able to connect with her. Her phone had been off, and she started a new job that went from 9-4 and didn’t think she’d be able to take classes. I made an appointment for her on a Saturday to accommodate her work schedule. After having to jump through a few hoops with technical issues, I met her at her job and during her lunch, we sat down and got her registered for her courses. We have since been able to loan her a laptop to support her for the semester.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
“The well is never dry.” Everyone moves at their own pace. Don’t let the struggles of life stop your movement towards success. Students may have to take time off and come back for whatever personal reasons, but we will always be available for support and guidance. Our motto for HEOP is, “once HEOP, always HEOP.” You’ll always have a home and access for support if you want it. Move at your own pace. Sometimes slow motion is the best motion to be successful or the get the job done.
What makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
We have a strong sense of respect, admiration, and devotion to the students we work with. Having a full-time life away from school, managing many different obstacles and challenges while still striving for educational success and opportunities is admirable. Therefore, our entire staff makes sure we are supporting our students “where they’re at.” Meeting them at the beginning of their journey and making sure someone is with them along the way. The outpouring of support and help from within makes this a well-oiled machine. Also, there is no “I” in this team effort. We see it. We work it. We make it happen!
Your future starts now.
Take the next step in your learning journey and connect with an academic advisor today!