The lessons learned on the Cortland soccer fields by Nicholas Troisi in the 1940's had far-reaching effects that extended beyond the parameters of athletic competition. Troisi still remembers those days as a Red Dragon halfback. "Athletics helped me to better understand my physical limits as well as my strengths and weaknesses," said Troisi. "I also learned that perseverance and hard work usually lead to improvement and success. Coach Fred Holloway's positive approach in helping me improve my ability has had a lasting effect on my approach when helping others."
Troisi grew up in Retsof and played soccer, basketball and baseball at York Central. He enrolled at Cortland in 1942, but interrupted his studies to join the U.S. Navy Seabees. Troisi re-entered Cortland on a War Service Regents Scholarship in 1946. He played soccer for two seasons and was the baseball manager during his senior year. After earning a master's degree from Springfield College in 1949, Troisi went to work as an elementary school instructor at Hadley-Luzerne Central. He then served as an instructor at SUNY College at Geneseo and became an assistant professor at Bucknell University. Troisi earned a graduate scholarship to Penn State where he received a D.Ed. in 1959.
The long partnership between Troisi and Plattsburgh State began in 1955, when he started as an associate professor. From 1963 to 1972, Troisi was the director of continuing education at Plattsburgh. He became dean of faculty and general and continuing education in 1973 before taking the position of dean of faculty of professional studies. While at Plattsburgh State, Troisi helped develop programs leading to a Bachelor of General Studies and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. He has also been appointed by the Govenor of New York State to the Citizens Policy and Complaint Review Council for the State Commission of Correction.
Within the Plattsburgh community, Troisi has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Rotary Club, chairman of the Clinton County Tourist Bureau, honorary commander of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and St. Peter's Parish councilman and trustee. Troisi received the James E. Allen Award in 1974 from the School Administrators Association of New York and the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club in 1981.
Troisi and his wife, Miriam, have four children.
UPDATE: Troisi passed away on April 26, 2018, at age 93.
