Profiles of Students in the Leadership Program at SUNY Plattsburgh

Student Profiles

Meet Some of Our Students

Sherry Aiken

This is a growth degree, a learning degree.

"The M.S. in Leadership is a unique degree. There isn’t anything in this area like it. I am in human resources, and I can tell you that thousands of dollars are spent on leadership training. There isn’t a company or corporation that doesn’t do it. At the end of the day, this program is more valuable than any of that training.

"This is a growth degree, a learning degree. It’s not just about the books. We actually had to do a project from start to finish. I affiliated with the local organ transplant organization and made connections with the hospital and local students. I made a lot of contacts that I probably would have never made.

"The online classes were perfect for my travel and my business. I probably would have had to take a break had I not been in online classes because I was traveling for weeks at a time for my job. I was able to do my work in my hotel room and keep up with my classes and my homework.

"My absolute favorite classes are in the hybrid format. You get to see people in Plattsburgh and the branch campus (SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury) through TV. Learning to work with teams in Plattsburgh and here at the branch campus is challenging, but it’s real world. In my job I work with virtual teams in China, Mexico, Germany, and England. We are all on the same team. The online experience is necessary today."

Greg Veitch

This program has made me a better leader.

"I’m a Detective Lieutenant in the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The M.S. Leadership Program gives you a wider view of the world and leadership as opposed to police specific leadership. The leadership program is more wide ranging and can be applied to my position at the police department. Overall, the leadership program has made me a better leader and helped me to understand leadership issues that I can translate to my current job.

"Furthermore, you have opportunities to take what you are learning in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Part of my responsibilities in the police department are to work with other agencies. In the public policy course, one project was to develop a public policy program and try to have it implemented. Fortunately for me, this wasn’t just an academic exercise. I had some community partners who were going to do a drug turn in program. I put the two together. We’ll be able to implement it and it started with a class here at Plattsburgh.

"Finally, besides being experts in the field, the professors teach you to do the learning. There is not a lot of lecturing. I’ve enjoyed each of the professors. They’ve all been excellent. The professors help you and support you every step of the way."

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

For more information about the leadership program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact

Dr. Sue Catana, Coordinator
Phone:

• SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury: (518) 792-5425 x109
• Home Office: (518) 696-2710

Email: catanasl@plattsburgh.edu