A Conversation with EOP Director Kenneth Robinson  

Educational Opportunity Program Spotlight: A Conversation with Director Kenneth Robinson 

Kenneth Robinson, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY Erie, is deeply committed to helping students unlock their full potential, especially those who might not have otherwise had access to higher education. 

“EOP is a phenomenal program that provides students access to college. Students who may not have had that opportunity otherwise,” Robinson explains. “We serve students who demonstrate both academic and financial need, and we support them in both of those areas.” 

At SUNY Erie, EOP students benefit from a robust support system that includes in-house tutoring, academic coaching, and financial assistance. In addition to a semester stipend for non-tuition-related expenses such as books and transportation, students also receive personalized academic guidance provided right inside the EOP office suite. 

When Robinson took on the Director role two years ago, the program had 43 students. Today, that number has grown to nearly 200. He credits this increase to a strong support network both on campus and within the SUNY system. 

“We’ve seen significant growth. That’s due in large part to the support we’ve received from leadership here at SUNY Erie and from the SUNY Office of Opportunity Programs in Albany.” 

This past summer, SUNY Erie was selected as one of only four SUNY campuses—and the only community college—to host the inaugural EOP Undergraduate Research Program, a statewide initiative developed by the SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

The opportunity came together quickly, and SUNY Erie answered the call. 

“President Tsegai didn’t hesitate,” Robinson says. “She immediately embraced the opportunity and brought in the right people to make it happen.” 

With support from Dean Adam Patterson and faculty leaders Dr. Danielle Piver and Dr. Nicole DeVillier, SUNY Erie recruited and retained 12 students for the six-week research experience. It was the largest group of any participating SUNY campus. 

Participants received a $3,600 stipend and engaged in research across disciplines including STEM and Liberal Arts. Students attended classes three times a week, conducted original research, and presented their work at a statewide showcase in Albany. 

“Each student chose a subject that mattered to them. Their passion was clear not just in their research, but in how they delivered it,” Robinson says. 

One SUNY Erie student participated in the STEM program at SUNY Geneseo, partnering with a SUNY Brockport student on research involving fluorescent dyes and medical detection techniques. She lived on Geneseo’s campus, marking her first experience living independently, and thrived in the experience. 

“It was a perfect example of cross-campus collaboration. She came back more confident, more excited, and with a deeper connection to what’s possible.” 

When students arrived in Albany to present their work, President Tsegai was there to greet them in person. She was the only SUNY president in attendance. 

“That meant everything,” Robinson said. “Our students saw that leadership wasn’t just talking about support. They were showing up for it.” 

Even when technical difficulties arose during presentations, SUNY Erie faculty and staff were right there, helping students stay calm and focused. 

Given the program’s success, Robinson is confident it will return in 2026 with earlier notice and even more opportunities, “I’m hopeful we’ll again be selected as a host site.”  

The goal for next year? Bring back returning students as mentors to create a cycle of leadership and support. “We couldn’t be prouder. Our students made sacrifices, many balancing work, school, and long commutes, and they delivered. Their commitment, their growth, their excellence—it’s what EOP is all about.”