Jackie Rocco ‘07 is a dynamic educator, mentor, children’s book author and proud alumna of SUNY Erie Community College, whose passion for health, wellness and student success is evident in every aspect of her work.
Rocco is known for her genuine care and enthusiasm, building strong connections with students and colleagues. She creates a supportive environment while continuing to grow in her role as assistant professor and department chair. She oversees five expanding programs and concentrations at the North and City Campuses: Health, Physical Education, and Sports and Leisure Studies, and also supports select courses at the South Campus.
She brings a thoughtful blend of passion and expertise to her work in several programs, contributing with a strong commitment to excellence:
Rocco’s own path at SUNY Erie began as a student-athlete, where she balanced academics with competing in soccer and lacrosse, earning recognition as Athlete of the Year. She earned an associate degree in physical education from SUNY Erie, followed by a bachelor’s and master’s degree in health and human performance from Canisius College. Her connection to the college has come full circle; she returned as an educator after being recruited as a part-time instructor by then-department chair David Bochynski, a pivotal moment in her career that set her on the path to her current leadership role.
“After I was a student, I was offered a great opportunity to teach a class, an experience that truly changed the course of my career and helped me see my own potential in a new way,” said Rocco.
Rocco often reflects with gratitude on the enthusiastic and compassionate professors who had a lasting impact on her journey. As a student at SUNY Erie, she was mentored by individuals who inspired her return to the college as an educator and showed what a truly special place it is. She also had the privilege of learning from and later working alongside professor Pamela Simmeth and former professor Carol Reis, both of whom left a lasting impression on her teaching philosophy.
“I spent many years working multiple jobs while waiting for a full-time position to open, because I knew this was where I could make the greatest difference.”
Rocco’s leadership plays a key role in refining curriculum, supporting faculty and guiding students toward fulfilling careers in wellness. She approaches teaching with a supportive, student-centered mindset, always mindful of unique challenges and genuinely invested in each student’s growth. Through her guidance, she inspires confidence, fosters personal empowerment and helps students recognize and embrace their own unique paths.
“Our hands-on curriculum prepares students for a wide range of careers, from teaching and personal training to sports management, offering valuable transfer opportunities,” said Rocco.
Her career goes beyond higher education, including coaching high school soccer and lacrosse and coordinating after-school programs at BestSelf Behavioral Health. After attending SUNY Erie, she worked as a lifeguard. All of these experiences, along with her academic background, help her bring practical insight and a genuine understanding into the classroom.
“The most rewarding part of teaching, for me, is guiding students as they open new doors, often in ways they never expected.”
She believes what truly sets her programs apart is the faculty. SUNY Erie’s instructors bring experience and are deeply invested in their students’ success. They not only share extensive knowledge but also genuinely care, taking the time to mentor and guide students both academically and professionally. SUNY Erie prepares students for long-term success.
As an alumna, what have you appreciated the most about SUNY Erie?
The small class sizes and the relationships I built with my professors meant everything to me. They became true mentors, people who genuinely cared, supporting me as a student and providing a strong foundation when I later began teaching here. I feel incredibly fortunate to step into a role surrounded by colleagues I already trusted and enjoyed working with, people who helped me continue to grow as an educator.
What skills do today's students need most to succeed in tomorrow's workforce?
The most important skills students need are strong communication, perseverance and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. These skills help students adapt to challenges and build relationships.
What’s one innovation, teaching strategy or program that makes SUNY Erie stand out and why?
SUNY Erie has a unique sense of community, with many faculty and staff who were once students here themselves. We remember what it felt like to balance work, classes and personal responsibilities, and we carry that awareness into how we support our students. It allows us to connect in a more authentic way and foster a learning environment that feels welcoming, encouraging, and truly invested in each student’s success.
What's changing in your industry? How are you helping your students stay ahead of those changes?
In exercise science, advances now allow us to collect data during training. As with most fields, technology is making the greatest impact. Whether it be for a highly trained athlete or a patient in cardiac recovery, the body's response can be measured. Our department recently secured a grant to purchase a metabolic cart for each campus, giving students the opportunity to train on highly specialized equipment. This hands-on experience can be highlighted on their resumes and provides a competitive advantage as they enter the field.
What inspires you to work at SUNY Erie?
The students are my greatest inspiration. I was once a community college student myself, balancing full-time work while helping care for a parent with health challenges. During that time, I was fortunate to have professors who truly believed in me, supported me and encouraged me to keep going. Their impact stayed with me, and I knew that if I ever had the opportunity to teach at SUNY Erie, I wanted to create that same kind of supportive experience for others. I truly love what I do and feel incredibly grateful to be part of my students’ journeys. Being able to support, encourage and believe in them, just as my professors once did for me, is what makes this work so meaningful.
Academic advice for students?
Advocate for yourself and your needs. Communicate openly with your professors, support staff, counselors and Student Access mentors.
Why is SUNY Erie worth returning to?
The people. The relationships I built as a student with professors who cared left a lasting impact on my life. Returning as an educator gave me the opportunity to work alongside those same individuals and help foster the supportive, student-centered environment that once shaped my own path.
Why choose SUNY Erie for Physical Education, Sports & Leisure Studies and Health & Wellness Promotion programs?
These programs provide a strong and flexible foundation for both career and transfer opportunities. The two-year degrees offer a variety of pathways, allowing students to explore the field and discover their interests. Through hands-on experience and a solid understanding of the science behind human movement, health, and performance, students are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, including physical education teaching, personal training, sports and leisure leadership and more.