Finish your degree and move your career forward right here at SUNY Plattsburgh at
Queensbury. Our bachelor’s degree completion programs are designed for students who’ve
earned an associate degree or about 60 college credits. Plus, you can also take in-person
classes toward a Master of Social Work. With flexible scheduling, small classes and
supportive faculty, you’ll have the guidance and opportunities you need to reach your
goals.
Director’s Welcome
Dear Reader,
Did you know SUNY Plattsburgh is one university with two campuses? Nestled between
Saratoga Springs and the southern Adirondacks, SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury is located
on the campus of SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury, N.Y.
Our motto, “you don’t have to leave to go far,” reflects our commitment to serving
the local community. Residents of Warren, Washington, Saratoga and neighboring counties
can complete a SUNY Plattsburgh bachelor’s degree close to home — without sacrificing
quality, flexibility or opportunity.
Now, with dual admission, students transferring from nearby community colleges can transfer seamlessly without
the need to submit an admissions application, request transcripts or pay additional
fees. This coupled with flexible pathways, small class sizes and individualized support
allows you to finish your degree close to home with the attention and guidance you
deserve.
With a wide range of minors, opportunities for research, teacher assistantships and local internship opportunities,
you can tailor your education to align with your career goals — all at a reasonable cost.
As director of our Queensbury campus, and proud alumna of SUNY Plattsburgh, I am excited
to welcome you. The next time you’re in Bryan Hall at SUNY Adirondack, I invite you
to stop by and say hello or drop our team a line at [email protected].
Sincerely, Emma Volks G’14
News & Events
Queensbury Campus Newsletter
In this edition, we highlight the vibrant student experience at SUNY Plattsburgh’s
Queensbury campus — from celebrating our transfer students and welcoming our new SUNY
Adirondack Student Senate representative to spotlighting our graduate social work
students and alumni. This issue also features collaborative events with SUNY Adirondack
including a 24-hour community hackathon and Fresh Check Day, focusing on mental health
and belonging. We also provide a round-up of our fall events, including our 4th annual
Career Panel. Read more:
The 4th Annual Alumni Career Panel will be held in the Forum of Bryan Hall. Each year,
this always-popular event gives you the chance to hear directly from SUNY Plattsburgh
at Queensbury alumni about their careers and graduate studies in mental health, social
work, HDFR and more. Read the alumni panel bios
Image: Criminal justice alumni Alexander Rosa ’13 addresses students during the fall
2025 Career Alumni Panel.
Join local alumni in the fields of criminal justice, human development and family
relations, psychology, social work, and teaching to explore local career pathways,
employment opportunities and to gain academic and career insights.
After the panel, a networking reception with refreshments and free professional headshots
will be offered.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024
Location: Northwest Bay Conference Center
Image: A packed auditorium for our fall 2023 Cardinal Career Alumni Panel.
SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury entered into a dual admission agreement with SUNY Adirondack
that allows students at Adirondack to seamlessly transfer into related Plattsburgh
bachelor’s degree programs at the Queensbury campus. The agreement simplifies the
transfer process for students earning their associate degree to move on to a four-year
degree at SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury without the need to submit a second application
for admission. Read more about the event and dual admission program.
Date: Monday, April 15, 2024
Location: SUNY Adirondack campus, 640 Bay Road, Queensbury
University Council Meeting
The University Council at SUNY Plattsburgh serves as an advisory and oversight body
to the campus and to the president and senior administration of SUNY Plattsburgh.
For National Career Development Month, join SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Plattsburgh at
Queensbury psychology and criminal justice alumni to explore local career pathways,
learn about employment opportunities and gain academic and career insight. Refreshments
provided are sponsored by the Plattsburgh Alumni Association.
Meet the Panelists
Brandon Barton ’12 G’14 is the clinical director of Northern Regional Services at Kee to Independent Growth,
is a licensed mental health counselor in NYS, and is certified by the National Board
for Certified Counselors. Brandon conducted research in several studies during his
graduate studies at SUNY Plattsburgh, including the experiences of minority women
immigrants in Canada and adult experiences of gender-based violence. While enrolled
at the Queensbury campus, Brandon explored the impact of life defeat and victory on
mood and attachment patterns under the tutelage of Dr. Sturman. Brandon fervently
supports the advancement of behavioral health and believes that all individuals deserve
quality care, most especially vulnerable populations who lack access to basic services.
In his downtime, Brandon enjoys hiking with his rescue dog Jack, a good Netflix binge,
balloon chasing, pickle ball and spending time with family and friends.
His advice to students: “It's okay to not know what you want to do after graduation. Be positive, productive
and proactive and you'll discover yourself along the journey and where your passion
lies.”
Tracy Canaday ’14 secured employment with the Rensselaer County DA’s office as the county re-entry
task force coordinator in 2014. After completing the National Institute of Corrections
Workforce Development Specialist Training, Tracy facilitated Ready, Set, Work Groups
for those returning to the workforce from state incarceration. In 2017, Tracy transitioned
to the position of offender rehabilitation counselor in the NYS Dept. of Corrections
and Community Supervision at Coxsackie Correctional Facility and a promotion in 2018
led to the job of an assistant re-entry manager for the entire Hudson Valley region.
She has presented on panels for the Dept. of Criminal Justice Services, American Parole
and Probation Association, and the American Correctional Association. In addition
to recognition for her talks on staff wellness, Tracy is an active member of Women
in Corrections, Minority in Corrections as well as the American Correctional Association.
Tracy attributes the amazing faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury for pushing
her and helping her grow professionally and find her passion. She is thankful for
the flexibility of the program and the impact it has had on her professional success.
Her advice to students: “Enjoy this time. Seize the opportunity to be involved in as much as possible.”
Kiersten DeCanio ‘21 serves as district office manager for New York state assemblyman Matt Simpson. A
graduate of SUNY Adirondack (2019) and SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury (2021), Kiersten
earned associate and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice. During her time in college,
Kiersten was involved in many organizations and leadership roles on campus including
Student Senate, College Activity Board, Faculty Student Association, Plattsburgh Activity
Committee and more. During her senior year, Kiersten began working for assemblyman
Matt Simpson and has been employed in his office for almost three years. Some of her
hobbies include spending time with family and friends, rollerblading, and traveling!
Her advice to students: “Get involved in clubs on campus! You will meet new people, learn new skills and
it’s a great resume builder!”
Ashley McCarthy ’20 was determined not to let finances interfere with her continued studies so that she
could grow in a career she was already passionate about. As a first-generation college
student, she turned to her advisors at SUNY Adirondack to help her explore options
that financially made sense, which led her to complete her bachelor’s degree in psychology
at SUNY Plattsburgh’s branch campus. After graduating in 2020 Ashley was promoted
to assistant coordinator of Housing First at Ascend Mental Wellness and a year later
was promoted again to residential coordinator. By helping clients find housing and
be able to age in place, Ashley helps clients build a solid foundation from which
to increase their quality of life. Ashley shares, “I will forever be grateful to have
had the opportunity to gain experience in the mental health field while obtaining
my degree in psychology.”
Her advice to students: “Put in the hard work and dedication today for a brighter future. Regardless of how
you define success, it requires sacrifice and self determination. Learning self-discipline
is key, however above all, don’t ever give up on yourself.”
Courtney Oswald ’16 has worked as a child welfare caseworker in Preventive Services for the Warren County
Dept. of Social Services for the last six years. In this role, she works in conjunction
with the Queensbury School District to provide services directly to students during
the school day. In addition to assisting in investigative reports of abuse and neglect,
Courtney provides support to parents and children who have been impacted by mental
health and substance abuse and helps families who are struggling financially to navigate
the welfare system. Courtney shares her Saratoga home with her fur babies, Roxy and
Bentley. In her downtime she loves to craft, is addicted to bingo, and contemplates
a side business in catering to provide an outlet for her love of cooking. Her time
at SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury gave her a strong foundation in both criminal justice
and psychology that she applies to her work, whether navigating and understanding
the legal system or providing trauma-informed care to clients. During her senior year,
Courtney temporarily lost her eyesight. Reflecting back, she shares, “I couldn’t be
more grateful to professor Mark Beaulieu for helping me through some of the worst
weeks of my life while I recovered. I could barely see the board and wanted to give
up each day, yet he continued to encourage me to push through — and that speaks to
the quality of the staff at SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury.”
Her advice to students: “Never give up on your education, even when it seems like life is throwing every
possible obstacle in the way of that diploma. In the end, perseverance will help you
through many of life's sticky situations. No one can take away your education, so
keep fighting for it!”
Brittany Shufelt ’21 is an employment counselor with Northern Rivers: Unlimited Potential, located in
Saratoga Springs. In her dynamic role, she helps individuals with the gamut of career
needs, including job searching, resume building, interview prep, and even on-site
job counseling should clients elect. Brittany finds her role very fulfilling. She
shares “some people have struggled finding jobs and when I step in and help them get
one seeing the smile on their faces is what makes the job worthwhile.” Prior, Brittany
worked with homeless youth as a Youth Care Worker at the Wait House.
Her advice to students: “Don’t be afraid to ask your professors for help. They are there to guide you along
the way and want to see you succeed just as much as you want to succeed. ”
Career Development Center
The SUNY Plattsburgh Career Development Center is ready to help you with personal
career coaching, resume and cover letter review and development, job and interview
prep and more. Reach out today: