At just 20 years old, Chris S. Fuller ’22 soared to academic success at an unusually young age. The Felts Mills, NY, native graduated from Carthage Central School in 2021, earned an associate degree a year later in 2022 from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Jefferson Community College (JCC), and then completed his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland in 2024. Now, as the new resident director at Onondaga Community College, another SUNY Institution, Chris’ story is one of determination, hard work, and the invaluable role that SUNY plays in shaping successful careers.
“Get the Credits Now. It Can Only Help You Later.”
Chris began his college education while in high school. Encouraged by his parents and high school guidance counselor, Chris took part in JCC’s EDGE concurrent enrollment program. By the time he graduated high school, Chris had earned fifteen college credits through the EDGE program. "It’s a great opportunity," Chris says, reflecting on his experience with EDGE. "Focus on the coursework and get the credits now; it can only help you later,” he advises students considering an early start to their college education.
By taking advantage of Jefferson’s EDGE program, Chris was able to begin his career during the year he would have typically spent as a college senior at SUNY Cortland.
“You’ll Save Some Money and Time.”
Through the Jefferson EDGE concurrent enrollment program, students take accredited college courses and earn credit that appears on their college transcript. Courses are taught by JCC adjunct instructors who are also high school teachers. Students gain a distinct advantage by taking EDGE courses not only by getting a head start on their college education, but also from substantial cost savings. EDGE courses are offered at just one-third of the cost of regular college tuition, and there is no limit to how many courses a student can take. Chris seized the opportunity to get ahead by completing as many courses as possible. He says, “You’ll save both time and money by knocking out general education courses.”
“I Loved My Time at Jefferson!”
Chris opted to start his academic journey at a community college to explore whether higher education was the right fit and gauge his readiness for a four-year institution – a decision that would shape the course of his academic and professional life. "Coming to JCC was really about determining if college was for me and getting college experience before moving on to a four-year institution," Chris explained. At Jefferson, Chris pursued a degree in humanities and social sciences, which provided a broad foundation and critical thinking skills crucial for his future studies. His time at Jefferson proved fruitful. He immersed himself in campus life, joining the cross-country team and serving as vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). As a member of the SGA, he and his peers attended the SUNY Student Government conference held in Albany, NY. He was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of opportunities Jefferson offered. "I loved my time at Jefferson," he recalled. When he was not in class or fulfilling his duties with the SGA, Chris spent his time on the field with the Watertown Red & Black semi-pro football team, where he played defense.
Associate Degree In Hand and No Student Loans
Chris’ relentless academic focus paid off; he completed his associate degree in just one year, graduating with a 3.6 grade point average (GPA) and no student loans. "I was very happy with that—starting [college] at SUNY Cortland with no student debt!” he said.
Building on this success, when Chris transferred to SUNY Cortland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history, he started as a college junior thanks to the credits he earned at Jefferson. Additionally, he was chosen as a resident assistant, a role he credits to the courage and skills he honed at Jefferson. "My time at JCC really helped prepare me to move away from home. Being involved on campus helped me feel more comfortable and made me realize I could live on campus and be successful,” he says.
Despite this preparation, Chris faced some challenges during the transition. "It was a bit of a culture shock," he admitted. This adjustment initially led to a lower GPA, but by graduation, he had significantly improved his academic performance, raising his GPA from 2.2 to a solid 3.0.
Community Colleges, A Launch Pad for Students
Chris’ story is a testament to the opportunities that community colleges like JCC provide to students who may be uncertain about their academic paths. His rapid rise from a high school student to a college graduate and now a Resident Director at just 20 years old is an inspiring example of how the right support and a determined mindset can lead to early and meaningful success.
Jefferson’s EDGE program is strong across the region, offering courses in twenty-six schools spanning Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Oswego counties.
To learn more about Jefferson’s EDGE concurrent enrollment program, visit www.SUNYJefferson.edu/edge or contact John Trumbell, EDGE Coordinator, at (315) 786-2309 or email jtrumbell@sunyjefferson.edu.
