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The State University of New York at Canton (SUNY Canton) is a public, coeducational, residential college, located along the banks of the Grasse River. The college was originally chartered in 1906 as the first postsecondary school in New York. Today, it consistently ranks among the country’s top 10 colleges of its kind.
Its beautiful campus is within walking distance of New York’s vibrant downtown — just two hours away from Montreal and Ottawa, two of the most diverse cities in North America. The Adirondack Mountains are a short drive away, perfect for nature-loving students interested in hiking, fishing and other outdoor leisure activities.
Stellar surroundings aside, another reason why international students come to SUNY Canton is its knack for 21st century academic programmes — like those offered by the Canino School of Engineering Technology. The School is home to an extensive lineup of academic programmes accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). It currently offers career-driven, applied learning degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology Management, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Technology and more.
Pierre Nzuah from Cameroon chose to evolve his future-focused interests into a profession here for two main reasons. “First, because it had my major of interest, Electrical Engineering Technology; and secondly, because it was affordable, and several scholarships were available to offset my attendance cost,” he explains.
Pierre Nzuah. Source: SUNY Canton
And his journey was nothing short of enriching. Among his favorite classes were those focusing on electric and electronic circuits, particularly due to their hands-on lab components. These practical applications not only made learning enjoyable but also bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world scenarios.
“I even worked with Dr. Frempong on a portable internet radio project,” he enthuses. “Researching to make this project a success and writing reports established a good foundation for me when I got into graduate school and was tasked with research on unfamiliar topics.”
Indeed, the Canino School of Engineering Technology is the perfect place for students looking to relish experiential learning opportunities. Much like Nzuah, they get expert guidance every step of the way.
“Our faculty strive to bring new and cutting-edge technology into the classroom and research projects to enhance the educational experience,” says associate professor Dr. Adrienne Rygel. “We prepare students for the equipment and software they will use in the industry, and create exciting and engaging projects.”
Dr. Adrienne Rygel. Source: Suny Canton
Its methods like these that prepare students for their first steps into their chosen industries. “SUNY Canton excels at equipping students for the myriad of opportunities and challenges in the realms of engineering,” says Dr. Rygel. “Our applied, hands-on curriculum and approach to learning, coupled with faculty who have/and continue to work in the industry, allow us to bring our skills and practice into the classroom effectively.”
Hence, Nzuah doesn’t just credit his SUNY Canton experience for preparing him for grad school, but for his career, too. “Courses such as Intro to CAD, Industrial Controls and Power Transmission and Distribution provided a good glimpse to my job as a substation design engineer for TRC Companies,” he says.
Van Moussavou Moussavou, originally from Port-Gentil, Gabon, shares a similar success story. Inspired by his father’s career path, opting for SUNY Canton’s Electrical Engineering Technology programme was a deliberate choice for him. “The university was home to a very extensive programme that could build my electrical skills, and I was very happy to pursue it,” he enthuses.
Van Moussavou. Source: SUNY Canton
His initial days on campus brimmed with excitement, albeit with the expected challenges of adapting to a new environment. However, the unwavering support of his peers and faculty members provided a nurturing environment for him to acclimate and thrive.
Amidst rigorous coursework, he found solace and fulfillment in his programme’s practical components. “I was in love with the lab,” he says. He also forged meaningful connections with several faculty members — from Instructor Raamitha Pillay’s mentorship to Dr. Stephen Frempong’s guidance, Dr. Shahrokh Sani’s counsel, and Dr. Rashid Aidun’s nurturing of critical thinking skills, each contributed to his holistic development.
Beyond his major, Moussavou pursued a minor in mathematics, broadening his skill set and enhancing his analytical abilities. As he transitioned into the professional realm, this interdisciplinary background proved invaluable.
“My career is going well,” he says. “I am a Designer Distribution I at TRC Companies, Inc. I am still progressing in my field but I won’t stop until I reach my objective.”
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