News

National Women’s Soccer League and Syracuse University Announce Educational Program for Players, Alumni, and Families

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Syracuse University today have launched a new program to provide current and former players and their families with access to market-relevant online degrees, certificates, and career development opportunities through the University’s nationally ranked online degree and certificate programs.

This collaboration will empower National Women’s Soccer League players and their families—as well as League and club staff and their families—to pursue customized degree programs and professional development resources designed for the unique demands of professional athletes.

With a shared vision of supporting professional development and expanding opportunities across the NWSL ecosystem, the initiative creates flexible pathways for a variety of academic offerings. Programs will draw on the expertise of Syracuse’s renowned schools and colleges, including the Falk College of Sport, the Whitman School of Management, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, and College of Professional Studies (CPS).

“Our mission at the NWSL has always been to champion our athletes not just as players, but as people with diverse ambitions and bright futures,” said Briana Gilmartin, NWSL League Player Partner. “This collaboration with Syracuse University provides a critical bridge to success for our current stars, our storied alumni, and their families. Furthermore, by extending these elite educational resources to our internal league and club staff, we are reinforcing our commitment to professional excellence across the entire NWSL ecosystem. We are proud to offer a pathway that turns ambition into tangible skill development, fueling the goals of our community on and off the pitch.”

Opportunities created through this initiative include:
• Flexible, 100 percent online degrees and certificates.
• Pre-academic English language program.
• Credit transfer assessment.
• Career-focused programs in business, project management, leadership, and sport analytics, among others.
• Dedicated online student support.

“My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the National Women’s Soccer League to provide the Syracuse University experience to current and former players and their family members who are  interested in pursuing our robust academic offerings,” said Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan, who earlier this year helped establish similar partnerships with MLS and NHL. “For athletes and professionals with unpredictable schedules, our online programs offer the perfect balance of flexibility, extensive academic support, and real-world applicability–all without compromising the demands of their careers or personal circumstances.”

Educational offerings will be accessible online, on campus, and at Syracuse’s “away” centers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Dedicated admission specialists and academic advisors will work with each participant to tailor academic pathways aligned with their goals.

For more information regarding NWSL’s partnership with Syracuse University, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/nwsl.

Faces of Impact: Allison Vincent, Admissions Application Specialist

For more than two decades, Allison Vincent has been a steady and compassionate guide for students beginning their educational journeys at the College of Professional Studies. From maintaining the systems that power our admissions process to offering thoughtful support to applicants navigating their next steps, Vincent plays a vital behind‑the‑scenes role in helping learners move confidently toward their goals.

In this edition of Faces of Impact, Vincent reflects on her career at the College of Professional Studies, the moments that have stayed with her, and the deep commitment her team brings to every student they serve.

What is your current role and what does it involve?

My current role is the Admissions Application Specialist. I help maintain the application forms, troubleshoot application issues, and process applications in the University’s computer systems.

How long have you been with the college, and what’s your journey been like?

I started at the College of Professional Studies in 1998 and have worked in various capacities in marketing, recruitment and admissions during that time. A variety of my tasks have included updating webpages, managing email campaigns and the online chat, testing incoming computer software changes and upgrades, and editing an arts journal.

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

We assist individuals in selecting and applying for programs that can help meet their goals for personal enrichment and professional growth.

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

I usually see students at the start of their journey, but I remember one couple who decided to work on their online degrees together. When they completed their programs, they brought their kids and their parents to the graduation ceremony here in Syracuse, even though they lived quite a few hours away. It was exciting and rewarding to see what a happy impact our programs were able to make on so many lives and generations. It’s always exciting when students bring in their siblings, kids, or parents to apply, so we have multiple generations working toward a brighter future!

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

Our degrees are designed to allow students to fit education into their busy lives and to learn skills they can apply right away. Many of our students are able to use their new skills for promotions and new, more fulfilling positions.

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

We always take the time to listen! We meet with students where they are, either in time or location. We work weekends and evenings as needed to accommodate their schedules.

Seinfeld Scholars Program Inspires Military-Connected Student to Never Give Up

Amid the rhythm of early morning drills and the high demands of military service, Ty Tran knew he could not compromise his duties in pursuit of higher education. Tran, having served through multiple deployments and duty stations throughout his eight-year Navy career, naturally approached his education with the same enduring discipline and purpose. Now, a seasoned leader in operations and team leadership, Tran recounts his journey with deep care, reflecting on the critical role of his service in shaping his experience in education and the workforce.

When Tran first began research, he knew he had to be intentional with both his time and resources. He sought institutions that were equipped to support both his academic goals and the demands of military life. During this search, he returned to a critical question: at what place would he fit and feel supported as both a student and as a service member?

This search led him to Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies.

Learning to Lead with Empathy

The College of Professional Studies stood out immediately with its flexible learning, strong advising, and a culture built around supporting working professionals and military service members. Though, the real anchor came in the form of his advisor, Cherri Wells, whose mentorship carried him through deployments, breaks, cross-country moves, and degree changes. Across his four years, Wells became more than an advisor but a guiding light amidst the uncertainty and challenges of balancing service and studies.

“Before Syracuse, I was very focused on structure and execution — doing my job well, checking the boxes,” says Tran. “But my experience here, especially the people who’ve guided me, taught me to look beyond that. I’ve learned to lead with empathy and to see the value in slowing down and truly learning from the process.”

As that stability took root, so did Tran’s sense of direction. While initially entering the program under the liberal arts core, he soon shifted toward a more focused path, a blend between his passion for leadership, operations, and creativity. The College of Professional Studies’ business management track became the ideal path to his long-term dream of working in the beauty and luxury marketing industry. Tran lauded the program’s versatility, allowing him to merge the leadership skills he had developed through years of military service with a long-time dream of his.

Ultimately, Tran’s ongoing discipline and commitment to growth led him to the Seinfeld Scholars Program. This program, offered by the College of Professional Studies, was rooted in the very values he had embraced both in the U.S. Navy and the classroom.

Becoming a Seinfeld Scholar was not a mere accolade for him but an embodiment of his journey throughout military service and education. It was a celebration of individuals like Tran who overcame significant personal and professional obstacles to realize their own unique aspirations. The program’s credo, “Never Give Up,” became a guiding philosophy as he pursued a non-traditional educational path.

Embracing a Mosaic of Experiences

Among fellow Seinfeld Scholars, Tran reveals what he calls a “modern folklore,” individuals whose stories carried their own forms of magic. Veterans, parents, career changers, students rebuilding their lives all under one guiding philosophy. Despite their vastly different paths and challenges, Tran recognized pieces of himself in those stories, and pieces of them in his own.

Today, Tran sees his education as more than a credential. He reflects on his journey as a veteran and student, seeing his life as a mosaic of experiences that have shaped who he is and who he continues to become. He embraces persistence, wisdom, and the courage to pursue his goals relentlessly. He encourages others to move forward thoughtfully, balancing discipline with compassion, and to trust that their paths will unfold with purpose. In sharing his story, Tran shows that purpose is not found in a single moment, but in the steady, deliberate steps that carry us forward, and he hopes others will find their own sense of direction along the way.

To learn more about the Seinfeld Scholars Program, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants/seinfeldscholars.

By Katie Huang

Mirza Tihic Co-authors Article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry”

Mirza Tihic, assistant teaching professor at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry” with Adam Pritchard and Alexander McKelvie. The article was published by Small Business Economics: An Entrepreneurship Journal.

Abstract:

“In the past decade, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Industry (VEI) has seen a remarkable expansion in the U.S., yet its effectiveness remains largely unexplored. Utilizing data from the National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs with 2222 respondents, we delve into the effectiveness of VEI and the general Entrepreneurship Industry (EI) to address veteran-specific challenges of military veteran entrepreneurs. Building on cultural and social support theories, we broaden the existing literature on EI by focusing on the specific subset of military veteran entrepreneurs. We propose an outcome-based model to measure the impact of EI on this group, emphasizing factors such as a sense of belonging, sense of purpose, transition difficulties and social capital, thereby extending the potential benefits of EI. We find a mixed impact of VEI and EI on these key outcomes, suggesting a nuanced and equivocal role of the entrepreneurship industry on military-affiliated entrepreneurs. We highlight policy implications to better serve the diverse veteran population.”

Read the Article

Arthur Thomas, Executive Director of Microcredentials, Named Winner in Certified Impact Awards 2025

Arthur Thomas, Executive Director of Microcredentials has been named a winner in the Certified Impact Awards 2025, presented by Accredible, the world’s leading digital badging platform. Thomas received top honors in the Customer Champion of the Year category, which recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to champion Accredible through public advocacy, peer support, platform feedback, and community participation.

The Certified Impact Awards 2025 celebrate credentialing programs, teams, and leaders shaping the future of learning and work. Winners were selected from more than 175 nominations across ten categories through a rigorous evaluation of clarity, relevance, and demonstrated impact — spanning operational transformation, credentialing innovation, learner outcomes, and workforce results.

“Through the continued growth and impact of our programs, the College of Professional Studies has strengthened its ability to support the evolving needs of Syracuse University’s academic and administrative units,” said Arthur Thomas. “Our partnership with Accredible has been instrumental in this progress, enabling us to deliver innovative credentialing solutions that enhance engagement, expand professional development opportunities, and promote career success across our diverse participant communities.”

By working in true collaboration with Accredible, the College of Professional Studies has not only advanced their own initiatives but has also contributed to shaping the current and future direction of digital credentialing on an international scale.

“The Certified Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the teams who are building meaningful, learner-first credentialing programs and proving what digital recognition can achieve,” said Dan Theckston, Chief Customer Officer at Accredible. “This year’s winners aren’t just issuing credentials. They’re using them to drive mobility, spark innovation, and create real-world value for learners and industries alike.” To explore all Certified Impact Awards 2025 winners and learn more, visit here.

About The College of Professional Studies

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies innovates future-ready programs in flexible formats, so learners and leaders can advance their education and careers beyond what they imagined possible. From bachelor’s and master’s degrees to executive education, certificates and more, our credit and noncredit programs empower students to pursue their passions and purpose on their terms and timeline.

About Accredible

Accredible is the world’s leading digital credential platform, enabling education and training leaders to increase learner engagement and drive program growth. Over 2,300 organizations, including Google, IAPP, McGraw Hill, Rutgers, Skillsoft, and the University of Cambridge, rely on Accredible to manage and measure everything from issuing digital certificates and badges to visualizing learning pathways to spotlighting certified learners. Founded in 2013, Accredible has helped issue and verify over 170 million career-advancing credentials. To learn more, visit accredible.com.