By: Emma Hoang
Here at SUNY Niagara, we have success coaches rather than counselors. Never heard of them before? They are here to help us with everything from scheduling classes for next semester to answering any questions we have. We all have one and there are several of them willing to help. My success coach is Andrea Adinolfe. She works with students in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences majors. She’s also the SEVIS DSO for international students.
How did Andrea become a success coach?
After high school, she attended Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, pursuing an associate’s degree in Communication and Media Studies. Transferring to Fredonia in 2015, she continued her 4 year degree in Communication Studies. Andrea formed great relationships with her advisors and faculty during her time at Fredonia. Without knowing what the future holds, she tried out multiple jobs the years following graduation.
After 5 years, she decided to pursue her master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. This degree allowed her to work with college students like us with academic and personal development. It was during this time that it clicked for Andrea to continue her desire to help students outside of the classroom.
The concept of a success coach was newly developed and she thought it was the perfect role. Helping students with academics, personal growth, and even mental health were some ways to support students at school. In 2022, Andrea was picked to be one of Suny Niagara’s success coaches, which was a role she had been wanting to pursue.
What is her favorite part of being a success coach?
Being able to help and support the students of Suny Niagara is Andrea’s favorite part. Seeing students grow both as students and individuals is one of the best parts of her job. During the graduation season of last year, she stood at the side of the stage and made sure students had everything set before they crossed the stage. The graduating class was made up of students who started the same year that she had started as a success coach. Her favorite part was hyping up students that she had formed relationships with over the past years right before their big moment of walking the stage.
How big of an impact does Andrea have on students?
While the main functions of Andrea’s job are helping students with class withdrawals, registration, connection to resources, course selections, and many others, the impact she hopes to have the most of is making sure students feel comfortable and welcome in her office. She hopes that her impact allows students to know they have someone in their corner and someone they can go to for support. She enjoys seeing her students in the halls and hearing about their success stories.
What does Andrea’s routine look like as a success coach?
Her day looks different depending on the time of year. For the most part, she has appointments with students each day. Time is set aside for work on Feedback Friday outreach to students, international student work, and other various tasks. A majority of her day is meeting with students. During registration time, Andrea meets up with new students for 3-5 hours of the day in a group setting. Responding to student emails is also a huge part of her job as well. This would be in between appointments. Students should know that Andrea and other success coaches are available through email, phone, or in person.
Fun facts about Andrea
- She’s a huge Buffalo Bills fan and tries to go to 1-2 games per year.
- She has 3 cats; Mack, Roger, and Lewis.
- She has 9 nieces and nephews ranging from ages 7-23, they are her favorite humans!
- She has met Taylor Swift before and has photo proof of it.
- She loves to read and has been in a thriller/mystery phase lately.
Spring 2026 
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