SUNY Chancellor visits Oswego to highlight internships

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. visited SUNY Oswego on Aug. 19 to highlight paid internship opportunities for SUNY students at county governments and join others in recognizing Oswego’s strengths in experiential learning. 

During a roundtable discussion, Chancellor King noted that a partnership established this year with the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) will allow SUNY students to secure paid internships with county governments and local agencies throughout New York State. 

"Through SUNY's robust internship partnerships, our students have been able to take part in valuable hands-on job training opportunities that prepare them for successful careers after graduation," said Chancellor King. 

"By coordinating with the New York State Association of Counties, more of our students have been empowered to explore career paths that interest them while also supporting county governments and communities throughout the state,” Chancellor King added. ”I commend the SUNY students taking part in the launch of this initiative, and look forward to growing it so more students have these opportunities going forward."

Chancellor King joined SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu and NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario to speak with students that have participated in internships with county organizations. The partnership with NYSAC, announced in March, will connect students with an array of opportunities for internships and future career pathways in their local government agencies, and more internship opportunities at local governments are anticipated to open for fall 2026.

"Learning by doing has defined SUNY Oswego since our founding in 1861 and remains central to our mission and strategic vision,” SUNY Oswego President Peter O. Nwosu said. “These internships provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare them to lead, solve complex challenges and make an immediate impact in their communities and beyond. We are proud to partner with Chancellor King and NYSAC to expand these transformative opportunities for our students."

“This partnership gives students the opportunity to gain meaningful, paid experience while helping counties introduce a new generation to the many rewarding careers available in public service,” Acquario noted. 

“From public health and infrastructure to economic development and public safety, county governments do work every day that directly impacts the lives of New Yorkers,” Acquario added. “Giving students firsthand experience in that work allows them to make a difference in their communities, explore fulfilling career paths and helps counties build the pipeline of talented leaders we need for the future. We commend Chancellor King and the SUNY Board of Trustees for their vision in expanding these opportunities for SUNY students, and we’re proud to partner with him and SUNY on this important initiative."

A roundtable discussion featured Chancellor King, President Nwosu and Acquario joined by May 2026 graduate Natalie Glosek, who interned with Operation Oswego County (OOC) and since began working for the agency, and Mariely Torres, a current double major in criminal justice and human development who majored in the Oswego County Probation Department, as well as the Office of Experiential Learning’s Director Mallory Bower and Associate Director Tina Phillips.

The event also featured remarks from Philip Church, the Oswego County administrator and president of the NYSAC board of directors; City of Oswego Mayor Rob Corradino, who also is a SUNY Oswego graduate; and State Sen. Chris Ryan. They all discussed the importance of internships and hands-on learning, as well as the valuable role SUNY Oswego students and graduates play in helping the region thrive and grow.

Supporting careers

Glosek directly benefited from existing connections between the university and Oswego County agencies even before the partnership launch. Glosek interned with OOC, the county's economic development agency, in spring 2026 telling the stories of the business community and subsequently earned the position of communications coordinator.

"SUNY Oswego’s internship program is really impressive because it allowed me to expand my career and even get a job in the Oswego community," Glosek said. "It opened up doors I did not expect, because I would not have seen working in economic development as an English major, but it was a really exciting opportunity. To be able to get an internship that ultimately got me a job, and now serve the Oswego community, is really amazing.”

Torres, who credited criminal justice faculty member and mentor Celinet Duran-Jiminez for making the connection happen, “loved everything about” the internship, and found it pointed toward a rewarding career.

“It showed me a way that I can help children in the justice system,” Torres said. “I got to work with officers and see that it was actually not just a job that you sit at a table for … you have to go outside and you have to do hands-on experience. Honestly it was amazing seeing how the criminal justice system works from an outside perspective.”

They both encouraged current and future students to pursue internships and other experiences that can lead to careers and opportunities.

“Get involved, communicate, network, it’s never too early to start,” Torres said. “The sooner, the better, honestly.”

“I think a lot of people have Imposter’s Syndrome … but if you’re in college, I think you’re qualified to do it,” Glosek said. “Put yourself out there, that’s what internships are for. It’s to see if that’s the right thing for you and if it’s not, that’s OK, there are always more opportunities and internships. Just go for it and you never know what could happen.”

Building success

SUNY Oswego is known within the system as an exemplary institution for providing internships and other experiential opportunities.

“SUNY Oswego excels in its internship opportunities, with 93 percent of Lakers participating in at least one high-impact experience, among the highest in SUNY,” President Nwosu said. “On average, more than 400 internships serve students every year.” 

Through strong support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, the SUNY Board of Trustees provides $14.5 million in annual state funding to support paid internships for students at State-operated campuses. 

“We are very pleased with SUNY’s Internship Impact Fund, which provides paid internships so students don’t have to choose between gaining experience and working to support their education,” President Nwosu added. “Last year, almost three-quarters of our internships were paid experiences, and 312 of those students received SUNY incremental money support in some way. In addition to the valuable experiences, these efforts resulted in more than $250,000 in wages paid to students in roles on campus and at local not-for-profit organizations.”

SUNY has set the goal that every undergraduate student will participate in an internship or other experiential learning opportunity. Paid internships are invaluable opportunities for students to learn on the job, be compensated for their work, and apply their academic experience to real world tasks. The initiative with NYSAC ensures that students are prepared to be part of the next generation of skilled workers, as well as reinforces county governments' capacity to serve their communities. 

For more information about internships and other experiential learning opportunities at SUNY Oswego, visit oswego.edu/experience.