The Office of Student Success and Development is here for you from the moment you register for your first class until you receive your diploma. When you get accepted, you are paired with a coordinator who can assist you with overcoming personal barriers or just to answer your questions. We often help students with navigating SUNY Empire systems and procedures, getting connected to resources, and understanding how to work best with your mentor. We even put on workshops throughout every term, and you can learn more about those at our website. We want you to feel comfortable reaching out to our office, so each month, we will introduce you to one of us. If you think you need some help from the Student Success and Development Team, we encourage you to email us at StudentSuccess@esc.edu or call 800-847-3000 ext. 1110. 

 

Meet Samantha James, Student Success and Development Coordinator!

 
(Samantha is the one in blue)

 

Background info: 

I have an extensive background in higher education including academic and career counseling. I have both a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, a Master of Science in Library and Information Science, and a Doctorate of Education in Transformational Leadership. My interest is in correctional education and my goal is to start a college program in a New York State prison. 

How long have you been working here? 

11 and ½ years 

Where are you located? 

Selden (Long Island) 

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

My favorite thing is seeing the students who were so nervous and apprehensive initially find their groove and just rock it. You see your students getting good grades, scholarships, taking leadership positions in clubs and organizations at the college, and achieving their career goals-it’s a beautiful and inspiring thing! 

If you were a potato, how would you like to be cooked?

Baked. It’s simple, it’s good, and it gets the job done.

What is a fun fact you’d like to share? 

I volunteer with a cat rescue, but I really, really prefer dogs. 

What is a piece of advice that you would share with a student? 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or let us know if you are having difficulty with anything that may impact your studies. This is our job-we are here to help you!