SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Honored with 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
for Excellence
June 3, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that four distinguished members of its faculty and staff have been recognized with the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, one of the highest honors bestowed across the State University of New York System. This year’s awardees include John Sheehan, Tina Pfeiffer, Tess Hartman-Cullen, and Mary Prato.
These awards are conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. It underscores SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, and providing the highest quality of instruction or service to the campus community.
Each honoree has demonstrated an exceptional record of accomplishment, as well as the admiration and respect of colleagues for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students.
John Sheehan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A colleague shared, “John has been a mentor and professor in computer science, growing the program, building strong relationships with students, and helping them succeed. He always has a smile and takes time to help students in need.”
Tina Pfeiffer, Adjunct Instructor in Nursing, was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. A peer noted, “Each student who has had the privilege to work with Professor Pfeiffer has gained knowledge, experience, and skills in the nursing profession. She is always willing to contribute her time and expertise to support both students and faculty and to advance the Nursing Program.”
Tess Hartman-Cullen, Assistant Librarian and Interim Accreditation Liaison Officer, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. As one colleague remarked, “Tess is deeply committed to student success. Whether through mentorship, curriculum development, campus leadership, or stepping up to assume a key leadership role in the College’s MSCHE self-study process, she consistently works to create a supportive and enriching learning environment. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach makes her an invaluable part of the SUNY Ulster community.”
Mary Prato, Head Cleaner in Maintenance & Plant Operations, was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. A peer commented, “Mary never walks in front of you; she walks alongside you, always making you feel that we are a team.”
“I am honored to celebrate the faculty and staff members who have been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “This distinguished recognition reflects their exceptional dedication to our students, their colleagues, and the mission of public higher education. Through their leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to excellence, they embody the very best of SUNY Ulster and demonstrate the transformative impact community colleges have on the individuals and communities we serve. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for the meaningful contributions they make to our College every day.”
Individuals selected for this tribute are the SUNY community’s role models in their respective area. In acknowledgement of their selection, recipients are given recognition for the specific award received in the college catalog and commencement program, a letter, certificate, and a medallion. SUNY Ulster applauds their hard work and effort in going above and beyond for both their colleagues and students.
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