For 34 years, Viola Quaye, principal counselor in the City Campus Student Support
Center, has made it her mission to listen, encourage and stand beside students as
they navigate the opportunities of higher education at SUNY Erie Community College.
At the downtown City Campus, Viola has built a career centered on student advocacy, academic progress and mentorship. Her commitment to students earned her significant recognition, including the 2014 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, honoring her contributions to SUNY Erie and the students she serves.
When asked what originally drew her to counseling and student support, she reflects on the path that led her to higher education and eventually SUNY Erie. She started her tenure at the former Medaille University as a peer counselor and then went on to Canisius University as a COPE counselor in its Opportunity Program.
“I have spent more than 40 years in higher education, and I can’t imagine a better fit for my life. I believe life finds you while you are making other plans,” she said.
Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students recognize their potential and navigate the challenges of college and beyond. She joined SUNY Erie as a counselor in the Education for Gainful Employment program, a grant-funded position, later transitioning to the Educational Opportunity Program in 1993.
She advanced to senior counselor and served as interim director of EOP. In 2002, she became a principal counselor, a role she continues to hold today. From 2006 to 2012, she also served as a Counseling department chair, and also as an adjunct professor of General Studies. Throughout her career, she has taken on leadership, counseling and teaching roles that reflect her longstanding commitment to supporting students and helping them achieve their academic and personal goals.
Viola credits former colleagues along the way, Beverly Weeks and Lilly Adams-Dudley as influential role models who guided her on her professional journey. Their guidance taught her not only the importance of knowledge, but also the responsibility to share it.
“These women guided, trained and supported me along the way through undergraduate and graduate school,” she said. “They showed me the skills, dedication and leadership I needed to develop.”
With a strong educational foundation, she earned a master’s degree in education from Canisius University, bachelor’s degree in social science with a focus on government service, and a certificate in bible and pastoral counseling through Houghton College’s Pastoral Church Ministries Program, all experiences that have helped develop her compassionate approach to supporting SUNY Erie students.
One of the things she values most about working with SUNY Erie students is the individuality of each generation and each student. For her, counseling goes beyond simply answering questions or providing information; it means helping students make informed decisions while identifying opportunities for personal and academic growth. This approach is especially evident in her commitment to intrusive counseling, proactively reaching out, recognizing when students may need support, and connecting them with resources before challenges become obstacles to their success.
Her favorite part of working with students is witnessing their academic progress and seeing them develop the skills they need to succeed. She especially enjoys helping students build effective study habits, recognize the importance of their academic performance, and prepare for future opportunities.
For Viola, the most rewarding moments come when students return after reaching their goals. Seeing students graduate and come back to express their gratitude reminds her why she chose this profession. She finds it especially meaningful to see how education opens doors.
Aside from her career, she brings a creative and thoughtful perspective to interior spaces, inspired by her passion for home décor. She loves helping friends find the perfect pieces for their homes and spotting those simple changes that can make a significant impact. Her background in ballroom dancing and experience as a minister have given her a unique ability to connect with others through compassion and confidence.
She is proud to call SUNY Erie her home away from home and has enjoyed working alongside some of the most professional, caring, and supportive faculty and staff.
What topic are you most enthusiastic about sharing?
I am dedicated to a holistic approach to education, going beyond standard job descriptions to support student success. I find satisfaction in helping others resolve immediate student concerns and providing guidance in a trusted environment.
What skills do today's students need most to succeed in tomorrow's workforce?
Embrace the understanding that your current knowledge is just the foundation. Your professors are your guides in preparing you for your chosen field. Allow time for growth and cultivate patience for success. Don't hesitate to seek help, but also savor the present moment, even amidst challenges, and learn from the growing pains.
What's one innovation, teaching strategy or program that makes SUNY Erie stand out?
Student support services are essential in helping students understand the resources available beyond the classroom. By bringing resources into the classroom through collaboration with SUNY Erie’s caring professors and in-class workshops led by Counseling Center staff, we increase awareness, foster connection, and help students access the support they need to succeed.
What inspires you to work at SUNY Erie?
I am inspired by SUNY Erie’s “Student First” philosophy and the opportunity to share knowledge while making a lasting impact on learners of all ages. Witnessing students’ growth and success is incredibly rewarding, especially seeing their excitement and apprehension as they begin their journey in our programs.
How does SUNY Erie uniquely support equity and access for students?
We pride ourselves on treating all students with cultural respect while recognizing their diverse backgrounds, experiences, and challenges. We embrace diverse perspectives and adapt our teaching and support to meet students’ unique needs. Our commitment to equity and inclusion ensures that every student feels respected, supported, and welcomed.
Academic advice for students?
Strive to be your best self and believe in your ability to achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed and offer support to others whenever you can.