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Mr. Josh Colon, BS
- Advisement Coordinator
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(585) 395-5095
jcolon@brockport.edu
Office: Hartwell 100 A
Office Hours:
Bio
Josh Colon’s journey into higher education is a story of resilience, reinvention, and an unwavering commitment to helping students succeed. A Rochester native, Josh’s path was anything but traditional. As a teenager, he left high school before graduating, uncertain of his direction. Everything changed when he learned that his mother, Shondell, had been diagnosed with cancer. Motivated to create a future his mom could be proud of, Josh enrolled at Threshold Community Center in Rochester, NY, where he earned his GED—a pivotal decision that reshaped the course of his life.
Josh began his college career at Monroe Community College (MCC), studying Communication & Media Arts with early aspirations of becoming a sports broadcaster. His trajectory shifted when he became a Peer Advisor, a role that revealed how deeply he connected with supporting students through academic and personal challenges. That experience sparked a passion for student development that only grew stronger when he transferred to SUNY Brockport, where he majored in Communication Studies with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. While at Brockport, he immersed himself in student life and leadership as the Student Union Manager.
During his first semester at SUNY Brockport, Josh faced the profound loss of his mother as she passed away from cancer. Despite the overwhelming grief, he remained enrolled, completed the semester, and continued progressing toward his degree—carrying forward the strength and determination she instilled in him.
Professionally, Josh began his higher education career at Monroe Community College, where he recruited and advised Career/Technical Education students and more, managed a large caseload, and supported transfer student populations through transitions to major public and private institutions. His work at MCC strengthened his foundation in academic advising, transfer advising, student support, retention, and relationship-building.
Today, Josh serves as an Advisement Coordinator in the School of Business & Management at SUNY Brockport. In this role, he advises more than 200 undergraduate and graduate students per year, trains faculty in best practices, improves degree progress and retention, and enhances student success initiatives. He is also currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with SUNY Brockport, further advancing his expertise in leadership, operations, and strategic student support.
A signature aspect of Josh’s work is his ability to connect students with meaningful, career‑launching opportunities. He has mentored and coordinated student internships with a wide range of high-profile and respected organizations, including:
New York Football Giants, Northrop Grumman, Morgan Stanley, University of Rochester, Wegmans, Enterprise Mobility, ESL Federal Credit Union, ADP, Cintas, New Era Cap, Rochester Red Wings, Rochester Americans, Monroe County Hall of Justice, Volunteers of America, First American Equipment Finance, Aflac, Charter Communications, Allstate Insurance, Maximus, Northwestern Mutual, AP Professionals, BNY Marketing, Greenlight Networks, Izea, Fastenal, West Herr, Re/MAX, Linde Inc., Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center, Harris Seed, Garden Trends Inc., WeTheHobby, Graham Manufacturing, Toggle, Tax Exact, The Good Stick Co., Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), The Bonadio Group, and Monroe Community College.
From a young man searching for direction to a higher education professional shaping futures every day, Josh Colon’s story is defined by perseverance, purpose, and a commitment to honoring his mother’s legacy by empowering students to find their own path forward.
Education
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration - SUNY Brockport - Ongoing
B.S. - Communication Studies - SUNY Brockport - 2016
Minor - Women & Gender Studies - SUNY Brockport - 2016
A.S. - Communication & Media Arts - Monroe Community College - 2014
Areas of Specialty
- Academic Advisement
- Career Advisement
- Internship-for-Credit Coordination
- Recruitment
- Transfer Advisement
- Alumni & Employer Engagement
Courses Taught
BUS 498 - Internship