Graduate Student Profiles

SUNY Plattsburgh is home to over 415 graduate students who all represent a wide variety of backgrounds, experience and programs.

Students choose our graduate programs for a number of reasons — check out what a few of our graduate students have to say about why SUNY Plattsburgh was the right choice for them!

Cody Clark

Student Affairs and Higher Education M.S.

“From my journey in various colleges — Corning Community College, Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh — I have received many forms of support (student support services, financial aid, academic advising). They were all kind, supportive, and accommodating to any issues I faced. With their help, it gave me a purpose to help others. I applied to the Student Affairs and Higher Education program so I can become a counselor for students who have faced similar situations.

The faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh really care for students and guide you every step of the way. Classes in the program are small, which allows you to really get to know your cohort. From researching this program, it gave me the curiosity and ambition to know more about it. It is a field that involves more than being a school counselor, but also an advocate for the next generation of learners.

One thing I really enjoy from SUNY Plattsburgh is the different events they have. The involvement fair is one of my favorite and it allows you to socialize with other students on campus. Graduate school can be time consuming and difficult (I understand that), but having a club that sparks your interest can enhance your experience while in the program. From my time at graduate school so far, I am a firm believer of self-care.

After finishing my graduate program, I hope to work at a community college or a university and help students who need academic advising, being involved in the community, or just need general direction. I have always wanted to be a counselor for in a school community, and hope to make it a reality.
I am originally from AuSable Forks, N.Y., which is about 30 minutes from Plattsburgh. While I do need to travel far, the journey is more important than the destination. As a person who lived in Elmira, New York for a year and then traveled back to my hometown, I realize the importance of community. SUNY Plattsburgh has always been that kind of family where they are caring, understanding, and really want their students to be setup for success.”

The faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh really care for students and guide you every step of the way.
Cody Clark

Caleb Teachey

School Psychology M.A./C.A.S.

“I came to SUNY Plattsburgh because I love the North Country winters and because I wanted the chance to work a meaningful job while attending school.

I am a community director for Macomb and Kent. I love leading my team (they are truly awesome), and getting to participate in campus life. I also find my school psychology practicum to be meaningful work and I’m glad that I got to start right from the beginning with my program.

I decided to go into school psychology because I used to be a teacher and then a wilderness therapy guide. I really enjoyed aspects of both, so school psychology seemed like the right fit for me. It’s been a good experience so far and I’m looking forward to seeing what the next two years bring for me here on campus.”

I also find my school psychology practicum to be meaningful work and I’m glad that I got to start right from the beginning with my program.
Caleb Teachey

Kayleen Snyder

Natural Resources and Ecology M.S.

“I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because I enjoy learning hands-on and want to further my knowledge in my field. Some experiences I had the privilege of being a part of so far include: small mammal trapping in my wildlife class and collecting samples of communities living within the leaves of pitcher plants in my wetland class.

SUNY Plattsburgh has given me the opportunity to learn from scholarly professors and gain experience in my field as a research technician for Lake Champlain Research Institute (LCRI).

Before coming to SUNY Plattsburgh, I received my bachelor’s in environmental science from Paul Smith’s College. While at PSC, I was able to work as a naturalist and bring the public on tours of the trails. Since moving up in the Adirondacks, I have been able to hike high peaks, learn to snowshoe and ice fish, and many more outdoors activities. My future plans after graduation would be to get a state job working as a wetland scientist.”

I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because I enjoy learning hands-on and want to further my knowledge in my field.
Kathleen Snyder

Annie Longe

Childhood Education 1–6 M.S.T.

“I was born in Plattsburgh and raised in the surrounding small towns. I grew up exploring the Adirondacks with my father — exploring, hiking, kayaking and fishing. With every adventure, I always brought along my books and notebooks to read stories, and jot down ideas for my own. There is nothing as inspiring as the thriving, lush nature and wildlife that surrounds us.

My profound love for nature has made me grateful that the university of SUNY Plattsburgh is nestled within the heart of the Adirondacks. I spent my undergraduate years studying English writing arts and English literature here at SUNY Plattsburgh and then took a few years away from my own educational path to work in a local school, Morrisonville Elementary. My love for teaching and guiding children was fostered by the incredible professionals there; since then, I have happily returned to SUNY Plattsburgh into the childhood education master’s program.

The flexibility of the program has enabled me to start my studies entirely online initially! Within this master’s program, I am eager to study education as a whole and hone my teaching skills to serve the children in our community! I have already experienced the incredible ethical and academic standards set by our director and professors. I am proud to be a part of this program and I am excited to grow as a professional educator.”