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The Spark is the official blog of Alfred University, created to illuminate the dynamic experiences, creative achievements, and unique perspectives of our student community. The Spark captures the essence of what it means to be a Saxon. Whether you're a prospective student dreaming of your next chapter, or a current Saxon shaping your journey, let The Spark guide you.

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How Two AUNY Corning Alumni Found Successful Careers in Teaching

Posted By Alfred University

Jul 01, 2026 | Alumni General Blogs Graduate & Continuing Studies Liberal Arts & Sciences Parents & Families Pre-College

For many students, the path to a degree doesn’t follow a straight line. It might start at a community college. It might include time spent working, raising a family, or figuring out what comes next. And often, it requires finding a program that fits into an already busy life, not the other way around.

At Alfred University’s AUNY Corning program, that kind of flexibility isn’t the exception. It’s the starting point. For alumni like Elizabeth Williams ’19, MSEd ’21, and Laci Tuttle ’18, MSEd ’21, that flexibility created a pathway, not just to a degree, but to meaningful careers in education.

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From Associate Degree to Classroom Leader

Elizabeth's Path

Elizabeth Williams ’19, MSEd ’21

Elizabeth Williams began her journey at Corning Community College, like many students who are still exploring their long-term goals.

What drew her to AUNY Corning was its ability to provide a smooth transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s—and eventually a master’s degree.

“I learned about this program while receiving my associate degree,” she said, noting how appealing that continuity felt as she planned her next steps.

Through AUNY Corning, she earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood/childhood education and went on to complete a master’s degree in literacy—finishing her graduate program in just one year.

Today, she teaches as a kindergarten/first-grade “loop” teacher, guiding the same group of students through two critical early years of learning.

For Williams, one of the most important factors was affordability. The program allowed her to complete her degree without taking on additional debt, an outcome that made a real difference as she began her career.

Balancing Education, Family, and Career Goals

Laci’s Journey

Laci Tuttle '18, MSEd '21

Laci Tuttle’s experience followed a different path but arrived at a similar outcome.

After earning her associate degree, she continued her education at Alfred University, eventually returning to the AUNY Corning program to complete her master’s degree in literacy education. What made the program work for her was its flexibility.

As a mother balancing multiple responsibilities, she needed a schedule that fit her life. Evening classes and the ability to stay local made that possible.

“This program fit my needs,” she shared, pointing to how it allowed her to pursue her goals without stepping away from her family.

Today, Tuttle brings that experience full circle as an instructor at SUNY Corning, teaching the next generation of students.

A Common Thread

While their paths were different, Elizabeth and Laci share something important in common: both were able to take what they had already accomplished—an associate degree—and build on it without starting over.

That’s what makes programs like AUNY Corning especially valuable for transfer and non-traditional students.

You don’t lose momentum
You don’t have to choose between school and other responsibilities
And you don’t have to navigate the journey alone

Instead, you move forward with a clear plan and a program designed around your goals.

Why It Matters

If you’re thinking about going back to school, or continuing your education after starting somewhere else, you’re not alone. And you’re not starting from scratch. There’s no single “right” way to earn a degree.

The stories of Elizabeth and Laci show what’s possible when a program is built around real-life needs:

A clear path from associate to bachelor’s to master’s
Flexible schedules that fit your life
Affordable options that reduce financial stress
Career outcomes that make the effort worthwhile

For some students, the journey includes multiple steps, transitions, and responsibilities along the way. What matters is finding a program that helps you keep moving forward.

At Alfred University, students like Elizabeth Williams and Laci Tuttle didn’t just return to school. They built futures that are already making an impact. And for students considering their next step, their stories offer something powerful: proof that it can be done.

This post was inspired by an article in Alfred University News.