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Faces of Impact: Tekonbla Randy Wright, Admissions and Academic Advisor

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!

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Microcredentials Are Reshaping Education: The New Standard for Lifelong Learning

a student in a cap and gown stands at a podium accompanied by the text "microcredentials and lifelong learning"

In today’s rapidly changing job market, continuous learning with microcredentials isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity. As industries like technology, finance, and digital marketing evolve, professionals must consistently upgrade their skills to stay relevant. Microcredentials for professional growth provide a flexible, targeted, and efficient way to enhance expertise, making lifelong learning career development more accessible than ever. But are microcredentials truly the key to lifelong learning? Let’s explore the role of microcredentials in career development, skills development, and future-proofing your career.

What Are Microcredentials?

Microcredentials and lifelong learning go hand in hand. These compact, skill-focused certifications are designed for quick and practical learning. Unlike traditional degrees that take years to complete, microcredentials in technology, finance, and marketing can be earned in just a few weeks or months. Many microcredentials are offered online and can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and job applications to showcase specialized qualifications to employers.

The Role of Microcredentials in Lifelong Learning

Microcredentials for continuous career advancement are reshaping how professionals stay competitive by offering:

For example, industries such as technology, finance, and digital marketing change at a breakneck pace. Microcredentials for professional growth allow professionals to gain timely, relevant skills and stay ahead of market trends, ensuring career longevity and job security.

2. Enhancing Career Development

Additionally, ongoing education is crucial for lifelong learning career development. Microcredentials and lifelong learning offer a structured yet flexible way to build expertise, making them ideal for working professionals who want to upskill without committing to a full degree program. As a result, these certifications help individuals stay competitive in the job market and open doors to new opportunities.

3. Strengthening Skill Development

Moreover, skills development through microcredentials caters to both technical and soft skills. Whether it’s leadership development, UX/UI design in tech, or social media strategy in marketing, these certifications enable professionals to sharpen their abilities and expand their career prospects.

Businessman using artificial intelligence technology

How Microcredentials Support Continuous Career Advancement

1. Future-Proofing Your Career

Consequently, with automation and AI reshaping industries, traditional roles are evolving. Future-proof your career with microcredentials by gaining specialized knowledge in emerging fields, helping professionals adapt to changing job requirements and maintain long-term employability.

2. Gaining a Competitive Edge

Additionally, employers recognize the value of microcredentials for continuous career advancement as proof of expertise. Individuals who pursue these certifications demonstrate a commitment to self-improvement, making them more attractive candidates for promotions and higher-paying positions.

3. Enabling Flexible Learning

Digital learning and career progression go hand in hand with microcredentials after all. Online courses allow professionals to upskill while balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities, ensuring continuous career progression without disrupting daily routines.

The Benefits of Lifelong Learning Through Microcredentials

All in all, investing in microcredentials and lifelong learning offers multiple advantages, including:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional degrees, microcredentials are more affordable and time-efficient.
  • Specialized knowledge: Focused learning ensures professionals acquire the exact skills they need.
  • Flexibility: Online options enable learners to balance education with work and personal life.
  • Employer recognition: Many companies now accept lifelong learning certifications as valid proof of expertise, enhancing career opportunities.

So are you ready to take your career to the next level? Explore microcredential programs with the Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies today and unlock new opportunities for success!

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College of Professional Studies Makes Online Undergraduate Programs More Affordable

Tuition Incentive Grant Reduces Per-Credit Rate by Nearly 25%, Making a Syracuse University Education More Accessible to Working Adults

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University is providing all undergraduate students admitted to and enrolled in its online programs with the Tuition Incentive Grant, effectively reducing the per-credit rate from $750 to $575. This reduction of $175 per credit hour demonstrates the College’s commitment to making quality education more accessible to working adults pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.

The Tuition Incentive Grant is automatically applied to all part-time undergraduate online students in the College of Professional Studies. No additional application or eligibility requirements are needed beyond admission and enrollment. This grant reduces the financial investment required to earn a Syracuse University degree while maintaining work and family responsibilities.

“The Tuition Incentive Grant demonstrates our commitment to expanding opportunities for working professionals to earn their Syracuse University degree,” said Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We recognize that adult learners are making significant investments in their futures, and this automatic grant helps reduce that investment while maintaining the innovative course design, market-responsive programs and top-tier faculty for which the University is known.”

The grant applies to all part-time, undergraduate, online programs offered through the College of Professional Studies, encompassing degrees in business management, project management, organizational development and leadership, cybersecurity, and healthcare administration. Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous online course delivery, multiple start dates throughout the year, and dedicated support services, the college ensures that adult learners can successfully integrate their educational pursuits with professional and personal responsibilities.

This tuition reduction addresses the critical need for affordable pathways to degree completion at a time when career advancement increasingly requires bachelor’s degree credentials. The initiative recognizes that many working adults have delayed or interrupted their educational journeys due to financial constraints, and the reduced tuition rate removes a significant barrier to degree completion. By making this investment in affordability, Syracuse University College of Professional Studies demonstrates its understanding that accessible education benefits not only individual students but also strengthens the broader workforce and economy.

Students interested in learning more about the Tuition Incentive Grant and exploring program options should contact the College of Professional Studies admissions office at 315-443-9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Admissions counselors are available to discuss how the grant applies to specific program paths and to help prospective students understand the full range of financial resources available to support their educational goals.

The Center for Online and Digital Learning Spotlight 2025

Celebrating Collaborative Design

Join us as we celebrate collaboration in online course design and development. Meet and share ideas with other professionals from the schools and colleges of Syracuse University.

Please mark your calendar to join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our online courses. Talk with University faculty who have participated in the course design process. Learn how collaboration with The Center for Online and Digital Learning at Syracuse University adds value to academic programs across campus and to students across the world.

Wed., Oct. 22, 2025

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bisignano Grand Hall
at the D’Aniello National Veterans Resource Center

Please RSVP here.

Faces of Impact: Miguel Pica, Military Student Success Specialist 

Syracuse University has a long history of support for those who serve in our country’s armed forces. At the College of Professional Studies, our mission is to provide meaningful assistance to the military-connected population seeking a Syracuse University education. Miguel Pica, military student success specialist in the Office of Online Student Success, stays true to this mission by assisting the military-connected students.  In this Q & A, get to know Miguel and his role in the Office of Online Student Success.  

What’s your current role and what does it involve? 

My current role at the College of Professional Studies is military student success specialist. I primarily serve as the academic advisor for our non-traditional military student population and military-connected students across multiple academic programs offered at our college and serve as the subject matter expert in conducting transfer credit evaluations (TCE) from our military population directly related to their military service. 

How long have you been with the College of Professional Studies, and what’s your journey been like? 

I have been with the College of Professional Studies since Fall 2023 and my journey has been exciting each and every day. Every interaction I have with my students has been memorable and more importantly, an opportunity to truly give back to the community I am also part of. 

In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission? 

The Office of Online Student Success fosters a supportive environment where online students are embraced as valued members of the Syracuse University community, pairing each admitted student with a dedicated online success advisor who offers personalized academic and online success advising, proactive outreach, and coordinated resources to empower both academic and personal development throughout their degree journey. 

Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you? 

Honestly, there are several interactions I have had that have left a lasting impact. The most recent was this past graduation.  

One of our students graduated this past Spring. While his primary advisor was my supervisor, Jonah Fugo, his story is nothing short but amazing. Liam and I actually served together in the Army at Fort Campbell, KY back in 2015/2016. We both went through selection for 160th SOAR (A) and successfully completed our training. While we were both assigned different companies (due to our occupations), we both served in the same unit. Somehow, we both ended up at Syracuse University. After seeing him walk, we both took a moment to catch up on life following the closing of the ceremony. This interaction truly reminded me how small and close the military community is.  

How does your team help students succeed in the real world? 

Compared to the traditional students on campus, majority of our students are already well into their careers (i.e., military, corporate, professional athletes, etc.). We are mostly used as resources to support our non-traditional students in their next career advancement and/or either excel or pivot in their career.  

Members of the Online Student Success team outside of the College of Professional Studies.

In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students? 

Our team are always readily available and actively responsive to student emails/needs. Whether it is to support our students or when we get a call from students on Main Campus, we do our best to direct them to the resource needed. When it comes to my role, I am either connecting students to either University and/or Military resources. 

What advice would you offer to prospective or current students? 

The advice I would give prospect and/or current students is to pursue the education that best suits your needs. Not only professionally but more importantly, your interests. With that in mind, it is okay to change your major at any moment you feel the need to switch. Syracuse University will support you! 

As an undergraduate alumnus from ‘21, I can assure you that it is okay. When I first started my journey at Syracuse, I started majoring in biology and finished my education as a policy studies graduate. Sometimes, all it takes is one course to inspire you to pursue a major that you may have never considered before.  

From your experience, what makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?  

From my experience and exposure to the teaching and learning environment of the College of Professional Studies, what makes this college unique is the flexibility it offers to the students it serves. All courses offered are Online, administered in an 8-week format, and in the evening. This specific format caters to the non-traditional students, meeting the mission set forth by our previous Founding Dean, Kenneth G. Bartlett, and Chancellor William Pearson Tolley.  

The quotes above are hung on the fourth floor in the College of Professional Studies and it is something our current Dean, Michael J. Frasciello, reminds our faculty and staff of our college’s mission. While our communities constantly change, these quotes continue to remain true. Reminding myself that our college continues to strive in meeting today’s challenges within higher education head-on. This is what makes our college truly unique and stand out. 

“University College is more than a night school. It is an idea that in an age of continuous change, learning must be continuous as well. In an age of rapid change, democratic institutions need the steadying influence of continuous education. That is our purpose at University College.”

-Founding Dean Kenneth G. Barlett, Inaugural address to the staff and faculty, 1948. 

“We are building a college that will dare to do things, to experiment, to assume responsibility for the unsuccessful effort as well as the successful venture, to not be bound by tradition but responsive to change and to community and adult student needs.” 

-Chancellor William Pearson Tolley, Address to Syracuse University Senate chartering University College, 1947. 

The quotes above are hung on the fourth floor in the College of Professional Studies and it is something our current Dean, Michael J. Frasciello, reminds our faculty and staff of our college’s mission. While our communities constantly change, these quotes continue to remain true. Reminding myself that our college continues to strive in meeting today’s challenges within higher education head-on. This is what makes our college truly unique and stand out.