Military

From Boots to Books: Three National Guard Students Use Military Skills to Earn Degrees While Serving 

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United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Greg Baird
New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Kreisel
United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Sean Lawless

Serving in the military offers a unique benefit: the opportunity to earn a degree for free. 

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies makes it easier than ever to utilize this opportunity, offering flexible programs designed for military service members to study online or in person. Whether you’re approaching the end of your military career or just beginning, the College of Professional Studies academic team understands the unique challenges of military life and celebrates the strengths and skills military students bring to the classroom. 

New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Kreisel is using those skills, and gaining even more, to get ahead as an officer and in civilian life by earning a bachelor’s in cybersecurity administration. 

“I have found the program very rewarding. I appreciate the flexibility that Syracuse has while I attend full-time,” Amanda says. “When I have had to travel for the military, each professor has made sure I had everything I need when I couldn’t always be in class.”  

Securing a Future 

United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Sean Lawless and Senior Master Sergeant Greg Baird have also found reassurance and inspiration in the College of Professional Studies’ flexible online and in person programs. 

Their military training has empowered them to excel in academia by honing skills such as time management, leadership, and problem-solving. For Sean, earning his master’s in project management and information technology has allowed him to focus on how to transition his career after his time in the military.  

“I have a seven- and eight-year-old. I need to make sure that their future is secure by securing my future post-military,” Sean says. “With the flexibility that Syracuse University provides, I recommend not waiting.”  

For Greg, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity administration allows him to apply his communication skills both personally and professionally as a volunteer fireman, hobby farmer, and full time as Chief of Plans and Resources for IT at the 174th Attack Wing – Communications Squadron. 

“My advice to any young military members that are looking to get into the tuition assistance program – the sooner, the better,” Greg says.  

Flexible Pathways for Military Students  

The College of Professional Studies prioritizes student success. From inquiry to graduation, the team provides proactive support to meet each student’s specific needs.  

The flexible pathways at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies enables military students to excel, with resilience, adaptability, and focus driving their success throughout the programs.  

“I know many people can find the college admission process rather daunting, but the College of Professional Studies made it very quick and easy,” Amanda says.  

The University offers flexible study options, including online and in-person courses, and allows the transfer of up to 90 credits. The College of Professional Studies’ 8-week course sessions are designed to accommodate schedules, with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies when it fits best. For those with prior college credits or military experience, the University assists in transferring credits, helping students fast-track their degrees and save both time and money.  

To learn more about tuition assistance at the College of Professional Studies, visit nationalguard.professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.  

 

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.”

College of Professional Studies Helps Meet the Needs of Military-Connected Students

When it comes to providing impactful educational opportunities for service members, veterans and military family members, Syracuse University consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. A key component to that success is the ongoing innovation at the College of Professional Studies in adapting to the needs of military-connected students wherever they are in the world.

The College of Professional Studies was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, and that same commitment to military-connected students extends to graduates of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).

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College of Professional Studies Announces Degree Completion Partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College

Syracuse University continues to demonstrate its national leadership role as the best university for veterans and military-connected students with a first-of-its-kind degree completion partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College.

Under the first-of-its-kind agreement, Syracuse University will award 51 course credits to Warrant Officer candidates and Senior Warrant Officers completing programs of instruction at the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC). The agreement is designed to assist participating Soldiers in obtaining one or more of the following undergraduate degrees through the College of Professional Studies: Business Management, Creative Leadership, Knowledge Management, and Policy Studies.

“This partnership agreement dramatically expands access to Syracuse University for active duty, guard and reserve Warrant Officers who have or will complete Warrant Officer Career College,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our commitment to providing flexible and progressive pathways for military-connected students immediately extends to the approximately 28,000 Warrant Officers serving in the United States Army.”

Syracuse University’s enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected students dates back more than 100 years. As one of the best private schools in the country for military-connected students, Syracuse offers online and residential part-time undergraduate study to active-duty military, guard and reservists earning the distinction of being the Best Place for Veterans™.

Army Warrant Officers, who are admitted to one of the transfer-eligible online bachelors programs, can use their tuition assistance (TA) benefits to cover 100 percent of their tuition. Consistent with its commitment to enhancing affordability, Syracuse University honors the Department of Defense TA rate of $250 per credit hour for US military members who aspire to earn an undergraduate degree.

“Active duty military, guard and reservists are life-long learners – members of the largest population of students enrolled in higher education today. Making Syracuse University more affordable and accessible is both a natural continuation of the University’s history of supporting non-traditional students and an appropriate response to the changing needs and expectations of those who could most benefit from a Syracuse University education,” says Frasciello.

Active military, guard and reserve members interested in more information about enrollment opportunities at Syracuse University may contact the College of Professional Studies admissions team at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about tuition benefits at https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military/military-tuition-assistance-ta/.

Executive Director of Online Student Success Joins New York Air National Guard

Liz Green recites the Air National Guard oath to Major Squier.

When Liz Green began her career in higher education, she didn’t expect joining the military to be a part of her journey.

In February 2022, Green found herself spending a significant amount of time at the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base advising members of the 174th Attack Wing. Nearly weekly, the executive director of Online Student Success could be found speaking with prospective military students interested in online programs at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies. The more that Green connected with students of various backgrounds and career fields, the more she found herself drawn to the mission and community that surrounded the Air National Guard.

 “Can a civilian just join the military?” Green asked herself.

Although it was a simple question, it felt loaded with opportunity. Just like higher education, a career in the military was all about service. Both required commitment, leadership, and a passion to transform lives. While joining the military was an extension of an existing career built on service, this new career path would cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to be military-connected in higher education.

But Green didn’t just join on a whim.

“When I had the thought, I laughed it off in my head,” Green said. “But it’s like what we tell our [College of Professional Studies] applicants: don’t self-select out. At least ask the question because you never know what you might learn in the process.”

As a full-time employee, PhD student, and a mom, could Green squeeze in another commitment? A two-hour conversation with a recruiter answered her question, which made her realize it was an oddly perfect fit. Green imagined a Venn diagram of her life and how this opportunity would blend into her other roles.

“It dawned on me that our presence on base was having an impact,” Green said. “I was an accessible person to talk to about degrees and there was a lot of enthusiasm. I want to keep doing what I can for this group of people and also serve the mission that they serve.”

Green began the five-month preparation of paperwork, exams, and medical clearances it would take to officially commission. On Nov. 4, Green was sworn into the New York Air National Guard, three weeks shy of her 40th birthday. Upon completion of officer training school, Green will be a second lieutenant and will be formally assigned to the public affairs career field.

“I didn’t even know this opportunity existed,” Green said. “But I’m so glad it evolved the way it did.”

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.