‘The program was invaluable’: How adult education shaped Jason Mazeski’s path

Jason Mazeski, '17, was working full-time for the New York City Police Department when he decided to pursue a master's degree in adult education.

"I was a training instructor, so it was really important to understand how adults learn," he said, "but I needed flexibility in my schedule."

Mazeski was drawn to Buffalo State, where students studying adult education benefit from the flexibility of online classes and can choose from a 30-hour master of science (M.S.) degree completed through entirely online-based study in two years or the accelerated M.S., which can be completed in 12 months by taking January term and summer courses. Mazeski opted for the accelerated option and chose to complete his elective specialization in instructional design. The adult education program recently added an instructional design microcredential that all majors are eligible to earn upon graduation.

Mazeski said he was satisfied with not only the flexibility, but also the quality of remote teaching in the program.

"Right off the bat, it was so accommodating," Mazeski said. "I had some experience with remote learning, but the way that it was structured at Buffalo State, I felt like I was really taking something out of each class, instead of just mindlessly posting to discussion boards. The engagement of the faculty made that possible."

Adult education encompasses everything from teaching basic literacy skills to inspiring adults to complete degrees and find fulfilling careers. Buffalo State's graduate program in adult education teaches best practices for improving the way adults live and work through advanced learning and prepares individuals to serve in leadership roles in adult, professional and workforce education, human resource development, and a variety of related fields.

In 2017, armed with his degree and new knowledge on adult curriculum design, Mazeski became the lead curriculum designer for the NYPD's counterterrorism division.

"What I took out of the Buffalo State program became immediately applicable to the world of police training," Mazeski said. "Every portion of what I did on a daily basis-designing, training, learning, analyzing, developing-had been covered in a class. The classes at Buffalo State were focused enough to be extraordinarily practical, and that was important for me."

Mazeski designed and developed a one day active shooter response course, as well as a tourniquet training program that has been given to 30,000 officers and has had direct life-saving impact.

"I wouldn't have been able to develop that course without the knowledge that I got from Buffalo State," Mazeski said. "I still have textbooks from that program that I refer to on a regular basis. The program was truly invaluable."

In 2019, Mazeski decided to continue his education with a doctorate and reached out to Buffalo State's adult education faculty.

"They were so helpful during the program, and I wanted some guidance on what I should be looking for," he said. "They led me in the right direction."

Mazeski earned his doctor of education degree in adult education from Teachers College at Columbia University in 2023. During his studies, he continued to benefit from the education he'd received at Buffalo State.

"In class, they would talk about theories my peers didn't know, and they had to do a lot of work to catch up," he said, "but I got it immediately because of the foundation from the Buffalo State program. It was phenomenal."

And when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote learning during his doctoral studies, Mazeski said he was once again struck by the effectiveness of Buffalo State's approach.

"I couldn't believe the difference-Buffalo State had kind of spoiled me because they were so engaging," he said. "Faculty members would take the time to do weekly audio updates and respond to discussions. Buffalo State faculty take their remote learning programs seriously, and it shows."

After earning his doctorate, Mazeski moved on from the NYPD to his current role as chief of training for New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission, which has its own police department responsible for the enforcement, safety, and emissions inspections of all regulated transportation systems in the city (yellow cabs, Ubers and Lyfts, and commuter vans). Mazeski oversees and runs training for the entire force of approximately 180, continuing to draw from his Buffalo State education.

"It's been almost ten years, and the Buffalo State program still resonates with me," he said. "There are faculty members I still reach to every couple of months-and we've never even met in person! That's the connection that I felt with the program and faculty."

Mazeski said he is grateful he took the leap to study adult education at Buffalo State.

"Stop doubting it-don't procrastinate; don't wait," he said. "If you're considering it, there's something in your mind that says that you're ready to do it. The Buffalo State program is so flexible and so engaging, it's really a no-brainer."

Photos courtesy of Mazeski.