EOP Director: Venessa Rodriguez
I have sincerely enjoyed working with EOP students throughout my career in Higher Ed. As an EOP student myself, I intimately understand the obstacles that many of our students face along their journey toward degree completion. I offer myself up as an example that with hard work, dedication and a little assistance from EOP, students can achieve, succeed and thrive in college and beyond. I look forward to helping our students do just that!
EOP Learning Specialist: Briana Alford
I graduated from Union-Endicott High School in 2014 and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Thanks to the Upward Bound program and guidance from the wonderful mentors, I found a home at Buffalo State College in the EOP program. There I was highly involved in student government, went on a study abroad trip to Haiti with my EOP Director, and much more. I worked at the UB program for many summers during undergrad, grad school, and eventually became full time staff. In my role at UB I met the amazing SUNY Broome EOP staff and made great connections to collaborate and support my students transitioning from high school to college. When my time at UB came to an end I eventually made my way to EOP, seeing familiar faces, both in the staff and my UB alumni students, was short of phenomenal. My goal is to help each and every student see their full potential and know that they can overcome any and every obstacle they face, even if the path is not clear.
EOP Counselor: Joshua Frederick
When I graduated High School in 2004, I had very little idea of what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. One thing I did know, was that my best opportunity for College was to leave home the same week of Graduation, to attend this EOP Summer Program at SUNY Cortland. I did not know what to expect, but I arrived with an open mind, and I left SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s Degree, and friendships that will hold strong for the rest of my life, thanks to the Educational Opportunity Program.
I was in a similar position in my life a couple years ago, in between jobs, and unsure of my next move. I felt an excitement that I had not felt in a long time, when I saw a job opening for a position at Broome, in EOP, and even though my Sport Management Degree was unrelated, I took the chance. Ever since I graduated college, I have found ways to go back to campus for one reason or another. I’ve always enjoyed the energy of a college campus, and the students who are eager to learn and grow. It’s contagious. I am now blessed to be working in that environment. So just as I found direction and support as a student, I have now found direction as a Professional, thanks to the Educational Opportunity Program.
