As a successful working professional ready to graduate from SUNY Oswego at May Commencement, Veronica Farrell exemplifies the kind of opportunity the university’s integrative professional studies (IPS) degree was created for.

In more than 18 years at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Farrell progressed from certified pharmacy technician to pharmacy operations manager, now overseeing all pharmacy operations while leading a diverse professional team. But having a degree would complement and certify skills Farrell wanted to earn to continue to thrive.

Farrell originally was accepted into SUNY Oswego’s business program, but a meeting with Karen Archibee, an academic advisor for the Division of Extended Learning, brought the value of an IPS degree into focus.

“She recognized how well it aligned with my professional experience and the direction I wanted to grow career-wise,” Farrell recalled. “It felt like a program designed to meet me exactly where I was. As a full‑time working adult, the IPS degree program provided the flexibility I needed to make earning my degree possible without disrupting my life. Instead of reshaping my world to fit school, the program fit seamlessly into my world.”

Credits for prior learning and experience –- supplemented by a College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam –- provided an excellent entry point toward degree progress.

“This degree plan is built with adult learners in mind, offering resources like credits for prior learning,” Farrell explained. “I was able to convert my professional certifications into academic credits, complete a CLEP exam to test out of a course, and build portfolio evaluations -- all of which helped me move through the program faster while honoring the real‑world experience I already had. It reinforced the feeling that the IPS degree program was built with students like me in mind.”

Practical, relevant coursework

While already a skilled and rising member of the Upstate team, Farrell found the coursework proved relevant and valuable in daily work and continued professional advancement.

“Because I’m already working in a professional environment, I was able to apply what I learned in my coursework directly to my day‑to‑day work responsibilities,” Farrell said. “The classes were practical, relevant and aligned with the challenges I face as a working professional. Putting concepts into practice right away strengthened my academic work and increased my confidence as a leader in my workplace.”

Farrell said that while returning to college can seem daunting, getting into the flow of the classes and time management can help learners succeed.

“When I first returned to college, I was overwhelmed and unsure if I could manage it all,” Farrell said. “But once I found my rhythm, everything began to fall into place. Looking back now, I’m incredibly proud. I wish I hadn’t waited 15 years to take this step but I’m grateful I finally did. I proved to myself that I could do it, and this achievement has only motivated me to keep going.”

In addition to excelling in daily operations, Farrell’s work additionally has been recognized as chair of Emerging Leaders United (ELU) at SUNY Upstate, where Farrell leads a group named the institution’s Community Service Team of the Year. 

A university news release said SUNY Upstate’s ELU was the “#1 Emerging Leaders Chapter in the region” as “a dynamic group of professionals that exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership and compassion …. Through tireless dedication to volunteerism, philanthropy and community engagement, ELU has made a profound impact both within Upstate and across Central New York.”

With SUNY Oswego’s Commencement on May 16, Farrell is seeing the hard work and dedication come into focus.

“For the past three years, I’ve been balancing full‑time work, life responsibilities and a steady course load,” Farrell said. “As graduation approaches, I’m finally taking a moment to appreciate what I’ve accomplished.” 

Farrell also comes to Commencement as a big proponent of the IPS program for adult learners looking to write their next chapter.

“If you’re looking to advance in your current career or explore a new path, the IPS degree program is an excellent choice,” Farrell said. 

“The leadership skills I gained are ones I’ll carry throughout the rest of my professional life,” Farrell added. “The structure of the IPS program is flexible and approachable, allowing you to move at your own pace. It offers a well‑rounded foundation that prepares you to operate at a higher level without locking you into a single narrow specialty. For working professionals, it’s a powerful way to grow, evolve and open new doors.”

Emerging Leaders United (ELU) is a dynamic group of professionals that exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and compassion that defines our institution. Through tireless dedication to volunteerism, philanthropy, and community engagement, ELU has made a profound impact both within Upstate and across Central New York. Under the visionary leadership of Sarah Trapani, Matthew Capogreco, and Veronica Farrell, ELU has become the #1 Emerging Leaders Chapter in the region.

Veronica Farrell speaks during an Emerging Leaders Unit in SUNY Upstate, where she works and serves as the unit's chair.

Veronica Farrell speaks during an Emerging Leaders Unit in SUNY Upstate, where she works and serves as the unit's chair. A rising star who sought a degree to complement and continue career development, Farrell is graduating from SUNY Oswego with an integrative professional studies degree.