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.

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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.

The College of Professional Studies’ mission is to deliver exceptional support and services to a diverse part-time student population seeking a Syracuse University education. The Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials stays true to this mission by offering microcredentials that allows learners access to upgrade their skills and explore new interests. 

In this Q & A, get to know Allison Roth and her role in the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials.

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1. What is your position at the College of Professional Studies?

I am the operations specialist in the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials.

2. How long have you worked at the College of Professional Studies?

I’ve been working at Syracuse University for over 7 years, with the last two years at the College of Professional Studies. Previously, I worked as an advisor for a career preparation and employment program for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. That role helped me understand the unique needs of nontraditional students and how educational institutions can work to meet those needs.

3. In one sentence, how would you describe your role and/or department?

Our department supports lifelong learning by providing opportunities for everyone to upgrade their skillset, explore new areas of interest, or prepare for industry certification exams.

4. What aspects of your profession bring you joy?

Being able to offer learning opportunities to those who never thought they would be able to take a course at Syracuse University. I also love seeing how these shorter courses and programs can open doors for the students and provide a pathway for them to earn a degree from Syracuse University.

5. What is your proudest moment at the College of Professional Studies?

Hearing about the successes of those who take our courses. Success looks different for everyone; sometimes it’s completing a 4-week online course, and sometimes it’s earning an industry certification. No matter what that success looks like for those students, I love celebrating their wins alongside them and seeing how it has a positive impact on their lives.

I’m also very proud to be in a position where I can focus on providing courses and programs that meet the needs of all of our potential students. Each offering isn’t going to be a perfect fit for everyone, so I am proud to be able to invest time and resources into offering courses in a variety of different delivery methods and price points.

6. How does your department support students during their time here?

Our department sees everyone as a potential student—from University Leadership to SU staff to SU faculty to the local community to the continent to the entire world. We strive to ensure that everyone who interacts with our department’s offerings has a positive Syracuse University experience. 

Additionally, as our department continues to grow, we will be adding a student success team, which will be the dedicated support system for the students throughout their lifelong learning with our department.

7. Our goal as a college is to provide high-quality service to our students. How does your department go above and beyond to support Syracuse University students?

We aspire to be a one-stop shop for anyone who is looking to upgrade their current skillset, explore new interests, or prepare for an industry certification exam. Since we see everyone as a potential student, we strive to offer courses and programs at a variety of different levels, delivery methods, and price ranges. Additionally, our department is uniquely built to quickly adapt to the needs of our students, workforce, and industry. As the market and environment continue to change, our department will continue to adapt and add new offerings to meet these needs.

8. If students would like to get connected with your department, how can they do so?

E-mail: microcredential@syr.edu

Address: 700 University Ave Suite 403 | Syracuse, NY 13244