After more than 30 years in public service and two decades in instructional design, Andy Mihans thought he knew what effective learning looked like. But when he enrolled in SUNY Brockport’s online master’s program in Instructional Design, he discovered something unexpected: learning—and learners—had changed.
A retired Battalion Chief and longtime instructor with New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Andy returned to graduate school to stay intellectually engaged and deepen his expertise. What he found was a program that challenged long‑held assumptions and reshaped the way he thinks about education.
“Even after twenty years in instructional design, I realized there was still so much more to learn,” Andy says. “I had focused on delivering information, but Brockport helped me understand how thoughtful design can transform the learner’s experience.”
Through coursework grounded in real‑world application, Andy gained new insight into the needs of today’s learners—students who require engagement, flexibility, and intentional design to succeed. The program reinforced a simple but powerful idea: the priority is the student, not just the content.
Brockport’s fully online format made it possible for Andy to balance coursework with professional and personal commitments, allowing him to work on assignments when his schedule permitted while staying on track with deadlines. The accessibility of the program, combined with SUNY’s affordable tuition and faculty with diverse professional backgrounds, made Brockport the right fit.
Now, Andy applies what he’s learned directly to the programs he designs and delivers across New York State. His graduate experience has not only refreshed his skills—it has reinvigorated his passion for education.
“It’s never too late to return to formal education,” he says. “Whether for career advancement or the love of learning, graduate study helps you keep growing.”
Andy’s story reflects what many Brockport graduate students discover: even seasoned professionals can find new perspectives, fresh skills, and inspiring possibilities—right here.
Learn more about our Instructional Design programs.