By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
As SUNY laid the framework of the SUNY Reconnect initiative, it earmarked a list of Reconnect-eligible academic programs that train students for professions in high-demand industries. In a world navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements, cybersecurity breaches, and interconnected digital communications, skills in computing and information technology are more critical than ever. Preparing SUNY Broome students for careers in computers is Chairperson for Computer Science and Assistant Professor Rich Zwolinski. Though relatively new to the College, his fresh eyes and passion for training the newest wave of programmers, technicians, and cybersecurity analysts are already making an impact.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Zwolinski’s affinity for computers emerged later in life. His boyhood, however, was filled with the foundation of creative problem-solving. Admittedly better at taking things apart than putting them back together, he loved the challenge of finding innovative solutions. Embracing his knack for numbers, Zwolinski studied mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). In between classes in calculus, analytic geometry, and mathematical analysis, Zwolinski sampled a selection of programming courses. While he found writing and testing code interesting, the soon-to-be college grad initially had a more outdoorsy vision for his career. He briefly worked as a golf instructor, but soon realized that teaching high school math was a more practical option.
Early into his first role as a high school math teacher, Zwolinski was tasked with instructing courses in AP Computer Science, Visual Basic, and Introduction to Java. Guiding young minds through the concepts of variables, data types, and conditional statements sparked Zwolinski’s return to college. He earned his master’s degree in computer science from Loyola University Maryland.
“I took a whole array of computer science courses in networking, security, programming, and web design, so that I could pass that knowledge along to my high schoolers,” Zwolinski explained. “I realized early on that sitting in a cubicle by myself programming is not entertaining or fulfilling for me, but getting out there, working directly with students to grasp concepts, and seeing the light bulb click, is the best thing.”
While he loved teaching, he also embraced new challenges, taking a seven-year hiatus from education to coach collegiate volleyball. He found a similar gratification in coaching, but the non-stop schedule of long practices and weekends on the road took its toll. Seeking a calmer work-life balance, he returned to the comfort of the classroom to teach a hybrid of his favorite math and computer science courses.
In 2015, Zwolinski moved to the Southern Tier and accepted a position at Vestal High School not long after. Much to his delight, his course load included a variety of SUNY Broome Fast Forward classes. Concurrent enrollment courses through the College’s Fast Forward program allowed Zwolinski to share college-level material with a roomful of bright and eager students. A firm believer in the power of a pathway, he felt that the opportunity to teach skills like app development, HTML webpage design, and graphics editing, bolstered the next generation of programmers, designers, and technicians.
Students interested in studying computers and technology can choose from three unique academic pathways. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
Zwolinski made the official jump from K-12 to higher education in Fall 2024. He arrived during a period of transition for SUNY Broome’s Computer Science Department, due to faculty retirements, but quickly rose to the challenge as the new Chair. Just as he was getting acclimated, SUNY Reconnect drove more than 70 new adult learners to the department’s three programs.
Students with an interest in computers and technology can choose from three unique academic pathways. Those drawn to programming, software development, and application design are best suited for the Computer Science A.S. transfer degree. These future programmers are poised for eventual careers as software and web developers, AI engineers, and game designers. Students with mechanical minds and a knack for troubleshooting technology are built for the Computer Technology: A.A.S. program. Computer Technology graduates are trained for immediate employment building and wiring networks, managing hardware and software maintenance, and providing overall technical support. Students committed to protecting information, databases, and servers are best fit for SUNY Broome’s Computer Security and Forensics: A.A.S. degree. Highly recruited for all industries, these graduates ensure that security networks, machines, and employees uphold the highest standards to keep information safe. Leaders in penetration testing, they protect, assess, and develop recovery plans.
While some prospective students may worry that they are ‘too old’ to embark on a career in information technology and computing, Zwolinski is quick to dismiss those concerns.
“The beauty of technology is that whether our students are 20 or 55, our graduates leave with the same knowledge, the same preparation to pass certification exams, and the same skillset for immediate employment,” Zwolinski shared. “Some of our students are Gen Z children of the digital age, while others remember the days of punched cards. But in a world where technology is constantly changing, we can all learn together.”
Zwolinski’s pride in his department is equally evident and infectious. Understanding the complexities of their curriculum, the computer science faculty is committed to shepherding their students with individualized support.
“We aren’t a department that just sends students out with instructions and hope for the best; we believe in personally helping students get from one point to the next,” Zwolinski said. “My high school teaching experiences have made a big impact on how I see our community college students, regardless of age. All are students seeking knowledge, and it’s my job and responsibility to provide them with a pathway – I can’t walk it for them, but I can open up all the different avenues for them to explore.”
Professor Zwolinski brings fresh eyes and new perspectives to the Computer Science department. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
Tags: Computer Information Systems AAS, Computer Science AS, Computer Security and Forensics AAS, Computer Technology AAS, Profile, STEM Division
