United States Air Force Veteran, Syracuse University alum, and Syracuse University’s Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Michael J. Frasciello was born in Union City, New Jersey, grew up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, and today calls Clay, New York home. Mike’s family drove his propensity to serve our nation having a grandfather and two of his brothers serve in World War II, and two other uncles serve in World War II and Korea. His family’s military service also included six of his brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, eight nephews, and one niece who have served or are currently serving. Mike’s amazing wife, Helen, is a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant after serving 30 years of active, reserve, and guard service.
Mike enlisted on active duty in the U.S. Air Force in 1985 after a semester of college, which was the last time he would be a “traditional” college student. Mike completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, and technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base where he became a Dental Laboratory Technician.
Mike’s first duty assignment was in 1986 with the 3rd Space Support Win, 21st Medical Squadron, at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. He married the love of his life, Helen, in 1987. In 1988, Mike was assigned to the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, 52nd Medical Squadron, Spangdahlem, Air Base, Germany, supporting Operation Desert Shield and Storm. Mike’s last assignment on active duty was in the 75th Air Wing, 75th Medical Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah supporting Operations Provide Comfort and Support Hope. He separated from active duty in 1995, serving a total of ten years on active duty.
While on active-duty, Mike attended college course at night and on weekends and, as a first-generation student, completed his associate, bachelors, and master’s degree. Twenty years after leaving the military, Mike completed a Ph.D. also while working full-time at Syracuse University.
Mike joined University College (now the College of Professional Studies) in 2000, serving as Director of Information and Learning Systems, and later as Assistant Dean of Online Learning, providing university-wide leadership in support of Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate online and continuing education initiatives.
Today, Mike is the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, leading an amazing staff and faculty who support a rapidly evolving portfolio of undergraduate and graduate online programs. He and his staff have established Syracuse University as the #3 private university as Best for Veterans Online program. Mike and Helen have been married for 37 years and have two sons: Dominick, a 2011 Syracuse University alum, and Samuel.
