After teaching English courses at many different colleges in Western New York, alum Susan Cozzi ’01 found her way back to Daemen and now serves as a visiting professor in the English Department.
Cozzi recently began her new position after starting at the college two years ago as an adjunct professor. 
While an undergraduate, Cozzi explored the possibility of majoring in physical therapy and also psychology, but eventually found that her true passion was teaching English. She earned her degree in secondary education and her teaching certificate.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,” she said.
After graduation, Cozzi soon found an opportunity to teach at a high school in the small mountain town of Culpeper, Virginia.
However, her experience made the Western New York native want to move closer to family.
She earned her master’s of science in English Education at SUNY Buffalo State College, and landed a position at SUNY Erie teaching composition. She worked there for more than 11 years.
Cozzi then moved on to work at several area institutions, including Niagara County Community College, D’Youville College, Medaille College and Hilbert College (and even Daemen for two semesters in 2005); she’s worked as an adjunct professor for more than 20 years.
She earned her PhD from the University at Buffalo, graduating with a doctorate of philosophy in curriculum, instruction and the science of learning shortly before starting at Daemen.
Now, her main area of focus is in critical reading and writing—which teaches students how to improve their overall writing skills to advance their education. She also teaches composition.
In addition, Cozzi helps students prepare for their first semester of college and meet the requirements to enter their particular degree program. In the summer, she enjoys teaching in the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).
“I review students’ work and set them up for success in their initial college courses,” explained Cozzi. “We cover the basics, including how to write a paper, grammar, and academic tone.”
With her various experiences at area institutions, Cozzi said her work at Daemen stands out.
“Here I have the opportunity to know the students and their needs at a one-on-one level,” she explained. “I really do feel like I get to know my students better, which is helpful for me to help them reach their goals. For instance, when they need to determine a topic for a paper, I know a bit about them and their major, so I can suggest better ideas that relate to their interests.”
Outside of work, Cozzi has an affinity for traveling and attending community events with friends.
She resides in Cheektowaga, where she enjoys spending time with her parents and her new, energetic rescue puppy.