News
Disability-Rights Advocate John Robinson Joins Office of Microcredentials
The College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of John Robinson ’90, P’25 as a professor of practice in the Office of Microcredentials. This position is made possible by a generous gift from the Einhorn Family Fund for Disability Entrepreneurship, founded by Syracuse University Trustee Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92 and his wife, Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92.
Robinson will help coordinate and scale the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities, while also serving as a member of its instructional team. The workshop is a non-credit microcredential program designed to empower people with disabilities to either become entrepreneurs or to be better prepared for employment.
Additionally, Robinson will collaborate with the University in developing and offering non-credit microcredentials aimed at educating potential employers on appropriate work environments and accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Through the College of Professional Studies, Robinson will assist the University in the development of funding for the continued offerings of these microcredentials.
“Syracuse University aims to become a global leader in the research and application of advanced technologies that can dismantle the professional boundaries and barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials. “John’s experience and background are essential to achieving that goal.”
Creating Pathways for Accessible Education
A trailblazer in the architecture and entrepreneur industry, Steve Einhorn is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus. Previously, the family has supported the School of Architecture and made a naming gift to create the Einhorn Family Walk, which forever changed the footprint of Syracuse University. This latest gift builds on the Einhorn’s commitment to accessibility, which includes accessible online learning.
“The values that fuel this mission are baked into my DNA as an architect. As a trustee, we want to create a campus welcoming to all,” Einhorn says. “Syracuse is flourishing with entrepreneurial opportunities, and we need to create more space for the disability community.”
Einhorn says the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities provides space to thoughtfully merge technology and AI with the curriculum. Additionally, the program creates opportunities for people with disabilities in the entrepreneur industry as well as potential partnerships throughout the local community.
“This is an educational opportunity to sharpen the skillsets for business development and produce more mentors. It is an honor to be a part of this initiative,” says Einhorn.
The Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities is part of Syracuse’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, a pilot program that started two years ago and was originally funded through the support of New York State Senator John Mannion. The program has received additional state funding for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are deeply grateful to the Einhorn family for making John’s position possible, and to Senator Mannion for his ongoing support of inclusive education at Syracuse,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to realize their potential.”
About John Robinson
Robinson holds a B.S. in Project Management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and an M.A. in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.
Robinson serves as the CEO for Our Ability, Inc., a disability-owned platform dedicated to building employment opportunities for people with disabilities through technology. In 2015, Our Ability, Inc. was presented with the Business Excellence Award in Small Business by the New York Small Business Development Corp and was also recognized in 2023 by the Zero Project as an Innovative Solution.
In 2013, Robinson was named one of the ten White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment. Moreover, Robinson was presented with the Chamber Champion Award in 2023 in recognition of actions that have advanced the mission of the Capital Region (NY) Chamber.
Robinson is the author of the autobiography, Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination, which reflects on his life as a quadruple amputee and the journey to his success. The book was adapted into a public television documentary titled Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story by WMHT.
To learn more about the Office of Microcredentials, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.
About the College of Professional Studies
The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or education experience.
About Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University
Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.
Executive Director of Student Experience Receives Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Brus Award
When it comes to providing educational access to military-connected students, the mission comes from the heart for Liz Green, executive director of the student experience at the College of Professional Studies.
Air Force 2nd Lt. Green is currently serving as a public affairs officer with the New York Air National Guard in the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field in Syracuse.
Green recently completed the Public Affairs Communication and Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q), a Department of Defense course at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade. The PACS-Q program includes six months of intense distance learning followed by a two-week capstone residency at Fort Meade.
In addition to graduating the program with academic honors, Green received the Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Brus Award for her overall achievements in a cohort of 77 public affairs officers and communication strategists. The award is the highest honor conferred on a graduating public affairs officer who demonstrates an unrivaled positive attitude, steadfast motivation, team building, and unwavering professionalism.
“The College of Professional Studies is the most mission-driven and service-focused college within Syracuse University,” says Air Force veteran, dean Michael Frasciello. “Throughout our history, we have been a place where veterans and currently serving military can excel and serve out of uniform. Liz is continuing that tradition of excellence and leadership at the College and within the University.”
Green has played a vital role in the College of Professional Studies’ mission to providing pathways for military-connected students, as shown by the No. 3 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans of private universities from the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs rankings.
Green’s service to military students dates back to February 2022 when she began advising members of the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. The mission and community inspired Green to join the New York Air National Guard. Her service in the military and higher education have serendipitously evolved into missions that complement each other.
“Completing PACS-Q at DINFOS was a career and life highlight for me,” says Green. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity to both serve my country while continuing to serve military students through their educational pathways at Syracuse University.”
Austin Zwick Co-authors Paper on the Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions
Austin Zwick, assistant teaching professor and program director of the B.P.S. in Policy Studies program at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the paper “Levelling Up Innovation in Local Government: An Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions” with Zachary Spicer, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University, and Aaron Eben, an undergraduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The article was published by the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.
Abstract:
With rapid advancements in technology around the globe, all orders of governments are trying to spur modernization, digitalization, and innovation in local governance structures and service delivery. This process is known widely as “smart city” design. To encourage municipal governments to implement these new tools, some national governments hold incentive-based competitions.
In a new paper for the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, Austin Zwick, Zachary Spicer, and Aaron Eben ask whether the smart cities competition model is a good way to further the adoption of technology in cities. Using case studies from the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Canada, they find that these competitions helped generate new ways of thinking about technological solutions and supported the building of new relationships to address urban challenges for winners and non-winners alike. However, in terms of institutional and system change outcomes, the results of these competitions were more limited. The authors conclude by making policy recommendations on how to improve the future implementation of smart city competitions.
College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University and MedCerts Collaborate to Offer Innovative Education and Career Development Opportunities
The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University and MedCerts proudly announce a new partnership focused on delivering innovative, accessible learning opportunities.
The College of Professional Studies and MedCerts have come together to introduce specialized programs in the healthcare and information technology spaces tailored to meet the demands of today’s workforce. These include MedCerts’ Healthcare IT Technician, Electronic Health Records Specialist and Medical Billing Specialist certification training programs.
According to the Center for Health Workforce Studies, Syracuse, like many regions, is experiencing significant challenges in maintaining an adequate healthcare workforce. With this in mind, MedCerts and the College of Professional Studies have come together to introduce novel and specialized programs in the healthcare and information technology spaces – tailored specifically to meet the demands of today’s workforce. These new programs, which include MedCerts’ Healthcare IT Technician, Electronic Health Specialist and Medical Billing Specialist certification training, are precisely designed to equip individuals with a high school diploma with the skills needed to secure stable and well compensated jobs in these in-demand fields.
This collaboration aligns with the College of Professional Studies’ mission to serve both the population and institutions in Central New York by providing new pathways for education and career development. MedCerts hopes to expand its reach to more students and strengthen the workforce in the New York area.
“Our collaboration with the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University isn’t just about offering programs; it’s about creating pathways to success for students in high-demand fields,” says Robert Hiller, director of Academic Partnerships at MedCerts. “Through this partnership, our focus is on providing practical skills for success in today’s job market and about making education accessible and impactful for everyone involved.”
These programs will be offered through the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials at the College of Professional Studies and provide students with targeted, hands-on training in high-demand fields. Students who complete these programs will also receive a co-branded digital badge that utilizes blockchain technology to help employers quickly verify skills and education.
“We are excited to partner with MedCerts so that we can bring these professional competencies to our community,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. “This partnership demonstrates the College of Professional Studies’ commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant education that prepares students for success in today’s competitive job market.”
About MedCerts
MedCerts – a Stride Inc. company (NYSE: LRN) – is a national online training provider strengthening the workforce through innovative eLearning solutions. Focused on certifications in high-demand areas of Allied healthcare and IT. MedCerts delivers career training through HD-quality video-based instruction, virtual simulations, games, animations, and more. In 2023, MedCerts launched its Partner Solutions brand focused on building partnerships to bridge the gap between our students, job seekers, employers, higher education institutions and workforce agencies. This new brand includes several partnership models, including recruitment, reseller, content licensing options and more.
Since 2009, the company has developed over 50 career programs, trained and upskilled more than 100,000 individuals across the country, and partnered with over 400 American Job Centers and more than 1,000 healthcare organizations to build talent pipelines. For more information on MedCerts, visit medcerts.com. For more information on MedCerts Partner Solutions, visit partners.medcerts.com.
About the College of Professional Studies
The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.