Students Complete New "Kings of Excellence" Professional Program

Eight SUNY Oneonta students are among the first to complete an innovative new program at SUNY Oneonta that aims to prepare students for life outside the classroom and after college by focusing on professional and social maturity and growth.

Noticing that many seniors lacked professional awareness, communication skills and confidence, history professor E. Howard Ashford had an idea and a goal: to create a program rooted in mentoring that would help students become the best version of themselves by focusing on these skills.

With this vision, the "Kings of Excellence" initiative was born. When it started in fall 2022, there were just a handful of male student participants, as one goal was to address the barriers that hinder recruitment and retention of male students from underrepresented populations.

Now, there are about 25 students involved, including women and students of all backgrounds. Following one semester as a "King-in-Waiting," students are inducted as Kings during a special ceremony. After fulfilling their "10 Missions"-requirements that include maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, completing community service and professional development, creating a job portfolio, and actively participating in student organizations and events-Kings graduate from the academy. This semester, eight students have graduated from the program.